Miami Heat's LeBron James has revealed that he is "thrilled" to see Derrick Rose preparing to make his return to the NBA.

Chicago Bulls point guard Rose missed the whole of last season due to a knee injury and James believes that it is good for the sport that the 25-year-old will be back on the court this week.

"I'm happy and thrilled that he's back," last season's MVP told reporters. "I'm happy with what he he did last year, to be able to stand strong throughout everything, throughout all of the adversity of everybody criticizing him about what he should do. He did what was best for him.

"The game is happy to have him back."

The Heat will face Rose's Bulls in their season opener in Miami on Wednesday.