Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose says he remains open to a return this season.

"Oh no," Rose said when asked about the possibility of not playing this year. "I'm keeping it open."

The Bulls have just six regular-season games remaining before the playoffs.

Rose has said repeatedly that he will be the one who makes the ultimate decision.

"I'm not trying to think about that right now," Rose said. "I'm just trying to get better. I'm just trying to help my teammates, give them confidence to go out there and play hard, and just be a great teammate.

"I'll play whenever I'm ready to play. Who knows when I'm ready to? Right now, all I can do is just cheer on my teammates."