NBA: Rose undergoes left knee surgery

CHICAGO – Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, last year’s NBA Most Valuable Player, underwent successful left knee surgery on Saturday to repair his anterior cruciate ligament, the Bulls announced.

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts after an injury during the fourth quarter of Game 1 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers in Chicago, Saturday, April 28, 2012. The Bulls won 103-91. AP / NAM Y. HUH

The morning operation was performed by Bulls team physician Brian Cole and the club made no estimate about a timetable for Rose’s return, saying a prognosis would come early next week.

Estimates based on prior athlete recoveries from such injuries have Rose needing between eight and 10 months of rehabilitation to return to the Chicago lineup, which would put him back on the court between next January and March.

Rose suffered a torn knee ligament on April 28 with 70 seconds remaining in a victory over Philadelphia in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Bulls won the game but lost four of the next five without Rose to be ousted from the title chase, an ignoble fate for a club that went 50-16 in the regular season to earn a home-court edge throughout the playoffs.

Rose missed 27 games this season with several injuries, including a groin pull and back spasms. The 23-year-old playmaker averaged 21.8 points and 7.9 assists this season.