Derrick Rose has insisted that he is a better player now as he prepares to make his first appearance in the NBA since April 2012.

The Chicago Bulls point guard will make his return against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night and he believes that he has improved in a number of areas since recovering from a knee injury.

"I think I'm way better as a player," Rose told reporters in Miami. "My IQ has gotten higher and just the way that I play I think I'm a more efficient player. And my teammates allow me to play the way I normally play, so that's a blessing.

"It's a regular game to me. Going out here, doing something. I've been missing this game for a whole year, so [I'm] coming out here enjoying myself and playing this game that I love playing."

Miami's LeBron James recently claimed that he was "thrilled" to see Rose returning to the league.