Rose: I wouldn't be playing if I didn't feel right

Derrick Rose is ready to put Monday's absence behind him.

Despite reports suggesting the Knicks point guard was considering an extended break from basketball just two days ago, Rose says he's prepared to move on from his one-game hiatus.

"If I felt like I needed a little bit more time I would have talked to the front office," Rose told Al Iannazzone of Newsday Sports. "But I feel like everything is all right. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be playing. Like I said I just want to be with my teammates."

"The relationship I’m building with Phil and Steve I wouldn’t mind asking if I needed it," Rose said. "But I feel fine. What happened a couple of days ago, that’s in the past."

Rose says his teammates are aware of his situation, and are making sure not to put any added pressure on him as he eases back into action.

"They’ve been giving me my space," Rose said. "Like anyone that’s coming back you just don’t want to feel hounded, They’re just giving me my space. They know I’m all right. I’m a professional. I’ve been in this before."

With Rose in good shape, head coach Jeff Hornacek expects the 28-year-old to make his return to the starting lineup in Wednesday's contest versus the Philadelphia 76ers.