Derrick Rose Return Update: Chicago Bulls Teammates Await Injured Star's Preseason Comeback

The wait for Chicago Bulls fans anticipating the return of superstar Derrick Rose is nearly over, and his teammates could not be happier.

While the 2012-13 season of NBA action is in the books, the new preseason, which kicks off in October, will see the return of the former NBA MVP Rose to the Bulls for the first time in over a year. And while fans are thrilled, the news is even more welcomed by his teammates.

Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich told the Chicago Tribune that he was "very excited" to have Rose back.

"We have most of our guys back. We had some great additions. The anticipation of Derrick coming back healthy and it sounds like he's motivated. We think we have a very good chance," he said.

Bulls fans remember when Rose fatefully went down to a season-ending left ACL injury in Game 1 of the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs that put Rose out of action for that series and for the entirety of last season, including the playoffs. Chicago, which struggled through an injury laden season in which they went 45-37, particularly missed their dynamic scoring point guard when they went down in five games to their bitter rival and eventual world champion Miami Heat in the semifinals last season.

The Bulls will get another crack at the Heat when they travel to Miami for the season opener October 29.

Hinrich, who is coming off his own injury, a ruptured calf in the first round of the playoffs, said that while he had not seen Rose often, his teammate is taking the time to return to form, and is nearly ready.

"He's traveling around and getting ready himself," Hinrich said. "You can just tell he feels excited to have the opportunity to get back out there and just play basketball. That's what he loves to do and we're excited to have him back."