Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is considering wearing a face mask for the rest of his playing career.

Rose suffered a facial fracture at the end of September, and has missed the entire pre-season so far.

The 27-year-old will be a masked man whenever he makes his return and possibly for the rest of his career.

"When I first put it on it was a little uncomfortable, but through practice I got more comfortable with it and it feels all right," Rose said, via the Chicago Tribune.

"I was able to shoot, my eye opened up a little bit more.

"I hate getting my face touched so if it's a thing where I come out and I'm hot, I'm feeling it, and we're playing good, you might see it for the rest of my career."

Rose remains unsure when he will be ready to play, but hopes it will be soon.

The former NBA MVP's Bulls open their regular season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 27.

"Every day, it's improving. It could be quick. Who knows? It's no timetable. It's whenever I can go play," Rose said.

"I want to play. I'm anxious to play. I'm getting jittery just watching the freedom we have playing. If I'm willing to go and I know there's nothing in my way, I'll play [the opener]."