CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose says he's still not sure if he'll play this season and the obstacles are more mental than physical at this point as he tries to return from knee surgery.
Rose told reporters before practice Tuesday in Los Angeles that he can "do everything" and it's just a matter of him "having the confidence to do it."
He says he'll return when he feels "normal" and that's in "a couple of days, that's great. If it's not, I'm fine."
Rose spoke exactly 10 months after he had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He says he's felt no outside pressure to return and downplayed the idea of a rift with the Bulls organization (see full story).
Anthony set for Denver return
DENVER -- Carmelo Anthony simply won't recognize these Denver Nuggets - even though he had just about everything to do with the makeup of their roster.
The New York Knicks visit the Pepsi Center on Wednesday night in Anthony's first trip back to Denver since forcing his way out of town more than two years ago in a blockbuster trade that reshaped both franchises.
The only familiar face he'll see is that of point guard Ty Lawson. None of the other Nuggets were here when he was wearing powder blue and gold.
NBA
"This game is going to be huge," Lawson said. "It might be the most exciting game of the year because Carmelo is going to come in. It is going to be a fun game. I can't wait."
The trade is turning out to be a win-win for both teams.
The high-flying Nuggets landed a bevy of young players, trade exemptions and draft picks they've used to retool their roster and the Knicks got a bona fide superstar to build a team around (see full story).
Rodman plans to vacation with North Korean leader
FARGO, N.D. -- Former professional basketball star Dennis Rodman says he plans to return to North Korea to vacation with Kim Jong Un.
Rodman met with the authoritarian leader in late February during a visit that was not endorsed by the U.S. State Department. The visit came during a period of tension between the countries over North Korea's nuclear weapons testing.
Rodman traveled to Fargo, N.D., over the weekend for a promotional appearance at a local bar. The former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star told KVLY-KXJB that he doesn't think Kim wants war and that he considers the leader a friend even though he doesn't condone what he does.
Rodman said he plans to return to North Korea in August to vacation with Kim, who is a diehard basketball fan.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.