DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose said Tuesday that his team is going to make the playoffs.

He has seen the standings. He knows his team comes into Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns a game behind the Toronto Raptors for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but he doesn't care. He has confidence that his team will prevail over the final nine games of the season. He says he hasn't even considered the possibility of coming up short.

"We're still going to make it," he told ESPNChicago.com after Tuesday morning's shootaround. "You can't think about stuff like [not making the playoffs].

"In my mind, we'll be making the eighth spot. We'll be playing LeBron [James] -- playing Cleveland. The closer we get, the [more] I'm going to think that. We can't walk around acting like we're not going to make it, because that's when things turn on you. Our biggest goal is to make the playoffs, and we're going to make it."

Rose won two state championships at Chicago's Simeon Academy, helped guide Memphis to the 2008 NCAA championship game and led the Bulls to an epic first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics last season. But the 21-year-old All-Star admitted he's never been part of a season quite like this, with the Bulls battling inconsistency and injuries throughout the year.

"It's tough," Rose said. "But that's why it's the NBA. [Unless] you're a team like Cleveland and the Lakers, you're not going to come out and just win 50 or 60 games, or something like that.

"You're going to have to fight, and that's what we're in right now. Hopefully, it just prepares us for the future, and ... helps us grow as an organization, as a whole."

Despite all the trials and tribulations, Rose is enjoying a stellar season despite battling an injured ankle in the opening weeks. He's averaging 20 points, six assists and four rebounds after his rookie-of-the-year campaign last season.

"I've learned a lot of things," he said. "If anything, I just feel way more comfortable.

"In situations I know what to do ... I think every year you play in the NBA you just learn more stuff. And it gives you more comfort to go out there and play."

For the time being, the only thing Rose is focused on is getting his team to the playoffs to square off against James and the Cavs. It's a matchup that clearly excites the young star.

"Yeah, it's fun, man," he said of the possibility. "The crowd is going to be crazy. Media is going to be crazy. A once-in-a-lifetime type of ordeal right there. Why not?"

Why would Bulls and Cavs be a once in a lifetime ordeal exactly? What does he see being so special about it? I'm sure the media would rather have the Cavs and Heat match up in the first round, if it is about the media running crazy with storylines.

If the Bulls play the Cavs in the first round, Reinsdorf should be rolling out the red carpet for Lebron and sending high class whores to his room during all games in Chicago.

Every time he touches the ball the crowd should just give him a standing ovation.

If he had went to college for 4 years he would know better than to do this.

Every time he touches the ball the crowd should just give him a standing ovation.

If he had went to college for 4 years he would know better than to do this.

I like Derrick Rose a lot, but be careful what you wish for, young man. The last time the Bulls hosted the Cavaliers, it was the lead story on CBS2 News w/Rob Johnson after CBS Sports' national coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament late on a Friday night 2 weeks ago. It was beyond ridiculous, especially seeing Chief Correspondent Jay Levine, who NEVER smiles, not only bowing, but praying to see LeBron James in a Bulls' uniform...That's not about to happen.

I like Derrick Rose a lot, but be careful what you wish for, young man. The last time the Bulls hosted the Cavaliers, it was the lead story on CBS2 News w/Rob Johnson after CBS Sports' national coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament late on a Friday night 2 weeks ago. It was beyond ridiculous, especially seeing Chief Correspondent Jay Levine, who NEVER smiles, not only bowing, but praying to see LeBron James in a Bulls' uniform...That's not about to happen.

^

with kobe pargo getting more than 5 minutes a game theyre not making shit. i wish he would sprain his ankle so acie law could play

when the hell are the Bulls going to FINALLY retire the #2 in homage of the late, great Norm Van Lier?

If he had went to college for 4 years he would know better than to do this.

Not until Dennis Hopson gets his statue.

Um, so are you saying the jersey number made those players bad? Interesting...

Nobody who has worn #2 on the Bulls has done squat since Norm retired...Ask Brad Sellers, Hopson, Eddy Curry and now Jannero Pargo. All of those guys did terrible when that number was issued...

:lol: I'm just picturing SHARK going up to those guys and asking them if they've done squat, and them replying, with their head down, "no...I'm terrible"

Eddy Curry would probably ask him for a date...

OKC, Norm Van Lier said so himself long before his passing a year ago.[/i]

Um, so that validates it then?

OKC, Norm Van Lier said so himself long before his passing a year ago.

When Michael finally passes, it will be the first time he ever passed.