Derrick Rose won't rule out return vs. Miami Heat

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose will not play in Game 7 against the Brooklyn Nets, but he will not rule out a possible return if the Bulls are able to advance to the second round against the Miami Heat.

Rose has not played all season after tearing his ACL in Game 1 of last year's playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. He has been practicing with the team since the All-Star break, but the Bulls' star says he's not ready to return to the court. TNT's Rachel Nichols reported on Thursday that Rose is still trying to regain his muscle memory, and he will not return until that happens.

Rose has come under a lot of criticism for not returning, but he told reporters on Saturday morning that he is unaware of the backlash. He said he is simply trying to take care of his body, and he's confident that he will come back better than ever whenever that return may be.

The Bulls will likely be short-handed against the Nets on Saturday, as Luol Deng is out with an illness and Kirk Hinrich is a game-time decision with a calf bruise.