The offseason full court scrimmaging, not to mention working out in his hometown, represent departures for Rose, who tore his right meniscus last November just 10 games into his return from missing the 2012-13 season after left ACL surgery.

Rose typically opts for drill and intense conditioning work near his offseason home of Santa Monica, Calif., working alongside other high-profile players such as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love. The change in strategy has been seamless.

It has allowed Rose to gain confidence and conditioning playing full court against teammates and various Chicago-area types with NBA ties in the suburban practice facility that soon will cede to the Bulls' new building across the street from the United Center.