NBA roundup: Bulls' Rose cleared, but not ready to return
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose has received medical clearance to return to the lineup, but he remains hesitant to do so until he feels he's completely ready.
Rose, 24, indicated that he doesn't plan to play in a game until he can dunk off his left leg at full speed, ESPN.com reported Friday. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on May 12 during the NBA playoffs and underwent surgery.
As the former league MVP's recovery accelerated in recent weeks, he resumed practicing and scrimmaging at full speed with the team and is now sitting on the bench during games. The Bulls are still hoping for a mid-March return.
Rose's doctor has told the Bulls, according to ESPN, that Rose is ready physically to play, and there is no greater risk of reinjury than what a player normally faces.
The Bulls have insisted that they won't rush Rose back.
---The NBA is nearing an agreement with the National Basketball Players Association on testing for human growth hormone, ESPN reported Friday.
Testing for HGH requires collecting blood samples from the players, which could begin as early as next season.
---Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman choked a teammate during a game in the Philippines.
Balkman, playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters, went after teammate Arwind Santos when the latter tried to intervene when Balkman bumped an official while arguing a call.
Balkman later apologized.
---The Golden State Warriors signed forward Malcolm Thomas to a 10-day contract.
Thomas appeared in one game for the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League and had 13 points and 17 rebounds on Wednesday.
