MILWAUKEE – John Lucas III has kept up with the rehabilitation of Derrick Rose, his former Chicago Bulls teammate and close friend. In Lucas’ mind, Rose could return from his torn ACL as dominant as Adrian Peterson did for the Minnesota Vikings this NFL past season.

“I think he might come back better than AP,” Lucas told RealGM.

Ultimately, Lucas is hoping for Rose to make a full recovery, both physically and mentally. When Rose does come back, however, Lucas is confident in the 2011 NBA MVP being a better all-around player – with elevated athleticism.

“I just want him to come back 100 percent, come back when he’s ready,” Lucas said. “I think he’s going to come back faster and stronger, more athletic. He had time to rest up, get his body right. I just want him to come back when he’s 100 physically, but also 110 percent mentally [ready] to come back.

“That’s one of my really good friends and at the end of the day I want to see what’s best for him.”