Derrick Rose Expects to Return from Leg Injury in Cavaliers' Game vs. Magic

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose is aiming to return to the court for Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic, Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon reported Wednesday. 

Rose's availability will hinge largely on how his left ankle feels—the same ankle that has kept him out of action since Cleveland's 124-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 7.

Cleveland.com shared Rose's comments after practice:

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin reported in November the three-time All-Star was pondering retiring from the league altogether as he dealt with another setback in what has been an injury-plagued career. But Rose rejoined the Cavaliers in December.

The timing of Rose's return isn't exactly ideal.

Vardon, McMenamin and The Athletic's Jason Lloyd all published reports Tuesday detailing a level of frustration growing among Cavs players. The consternation generally focused on the overall state of the team and whether Cleveland can actually compete with the Golden State Warriors, who have won both head-to-head games this year.

Now, the Cavaliers will be welcoming back a player who struggled mightily in his first seven games with the team. Rose is averaging 14.3 points and 1.7 assists per game and shooting 23.1 percent from three-point range.

According to NBA.com, Cleveland had a minus-12.6 net rating when Rose was on the court.

With Isaiah Thomas back, Rose's efficiency could improve since the Cavaliers won't need him to play as large a role as he did to start the regular season.

Still, re-inserting Rose into the rotation is another headache for head coach Tyronn Lue at a time when he already seems to have plenty to worry about.