Chicago Bulls star has a 'good chance' of playing again this season

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose said Monday he is optimistic about returning this season, but it is not yet a lock, according to .

"I think so, that's the plan," Rose said. "Whenever I feel right, that's when I'm going to step back."

This was the first time the Bulls' star point guard has talked publicly about his injury.

Rose had surgery on February 27 to repair a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

If he were to return toward the end of that projected time, he might play during the final week of the regular season.

reported Rose was on the United Center floor shooting baskets before Monday's Bulls-Memphis Grizzlies game.

Rose said he expects to return to game action this season, but sounded reluctant on setting a return date.

"I'm not even thinking about that right now," he said. "I'm thinking about getting the most out of every day. The way that I'm feeling right now, it's a good chance that I'll come back."

The oft-injured Rose, who has missed significant time to injuries in recent years, has been in and out of the lineup once again this season.

When healthy, he has shown some of his familiar explosiveness when on the court, averaging 18.4 points per game.