Derrick Rose has taken the court in preparation for Wednesday's USA Basketball game against the Dominican Republic at Madison Square Garden.
Prior to hitting the court for shootaround, Rose sat out two days for rest, a precaution to protect his surgically repaired knees. Rose has been bothered by knee soreness since Saturday's exhibition against Brazil and asked for time off, according to ESPN.com.
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There is always a mild panic when Rose sits out for anything concerning his knees, but Team USA has played down the severity of Rose's knee soreness. Speaking at a West Point practice, Rose said he only needed extra rest. USA Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski made a similar statement in an interview with "Mike and Mike" on Monday.
"This was a good time for him to get rest," USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "He still thinks he needs a little bit of rest.
"At this point, it doesn't really matter much, but there's a rule -- unless Coach changed it -- that if you don't practice the day before, then it's hard to start the next game. But it doesn't mean anything."
Rose, who is returning from a 2012 ACL injury and 2013 meniscus injury, has played well when on the court. He did not hold back or show any signs of hesitance in televised practices, scrimmages or exhibitions.
It's still early in Rose's return so any time missed will appear to be a red flag in the eyes of many, but he sounded optimistic about playing on Wednesday.
"Hopefully I am," Rose said of suiting up on Wednesday. "I didn't do anything today. I just got treatment and today is just really another rest day. I'm really, really happy with where I am right now as far as health-wise. I'm just trying to take my time and get rest. We have a long schedule ahead of us, and I'm just trying to get as much rest as possible."