CHICAGO — Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wished he had the same things to say about Derrick Rose’s season as he does about Iman Shumpert’s.
Shumpert’s comeback is moving along nicely. Rose’s comeback isn’t moving at all.
The Chicago media is writing Rose off this season. The Bulls superstar point guard has not ruled out returning. But he’s running out of time.
The two Windy City-bred guards who played Chicago high school ball at the same time crumpled to the court at the same time, too, last April 28, each suffering a devastating knee injury. Both tore their ACLs and meniscus cartilage in the same hour, on the same day — during Game 1 of their respective playoff series. It was Shumpert’s right knee, Rose’s left.
Shumpert returned Jan. 17. And after an uneven first seven weeks, Shumpert is resembling the player from last season’s eye-opening rookie year.
Rose, meanwhile, was cleared to scrimmage fullcourt Feb. 18, but with five games left in the regular season, including tonight’s vs. the Knicks at United Center, it would be a surprise if the Bulls point guard plays before next season.
The approaches were different from the organizations, with Thibodeau acknowledging Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf from the start wanted conservatism shown with the franchise jewel. In fact, the Bulls’ timetable was 8-to-12 months. Shumpert’s timetable was 6-to-8 months. The one-year anniversary of the two injuries is in 2 1/2 weeks.
Asked at yesterday’s Bulls practice at Berto Center, how he believes Shumpert has done in his comeback, Thibodeau, the former Knicks assistant, said he’s doing “great.’’
“He’s gotten healthier and healthier,” Thibodeau said. “I think he’s gotten more confident. He came into the league being a terrific defensive player right from the start. That’s a great starting point. As he’s gotten more experience and learned the league, I think that’s helped him.
“He took a big hit with the injury. But he’s overcome that. He’s a tough competitor and very good player.’’
Thibodeau has to be weary of talking about Rose.
“Right from the start, I thought Jerry [Reinsdorf] set the tone for it,’’ Thibodeau said. “He made it clear about how we were going to approach it. We were never going to rush him back. He heeded Jerry’s advice right from the beginning.’’
“He has been diligent. He has done everything you could possibly do. He’s still not quite ready. We have to trust him. And when he is ready, we’ll move forward.’’
Even if Rose misses the regular season, the organization is open to Rose’s first game coming in the playoffs.
“We don’t want him out there unless he’s comfortable,’’ Thibodeau said. “We have to do what’s right.’’
Shumpert plays his 41st game tonight — half a season. He told The Post recently he understands Rose’s thinking.
“I get it,’’ said Shumpert. “He’s a franchise player. He has a lot to do when he comes back. The Bulls are playing good right now. He doesn’t want to come back and mess up the rhythm as he works himself back in.
“In my position, when I came back, I got guys we’re going to,’’ said Shumpert, shooting 42 percent from the 3-point line. “We have prime-time guys on this team. [Rose] is that prime-time guy. When he comes back, he has a lot on his shoulders. He’s all about winning. I think if he feels he’s not 100 percent, he doesn’t want to be out there.’’
Without Rose, the fifth-seeded Bulls (42-35) have still beaten the Knicks all three times this season.
Chicago is in a bad way now, with center Joakim Noah still out with plantar fasciitis. Luol Deng and New York native Taj Gibson may also miss tonight’s game.
“We haven’t beaten them yet this year so it’s personal, especially since I’m from there,’’ Shumpert said.