Ever since Chicago Bull’s superstar Derrick Rose has been cleared by doctors to play there’s been raging debate when he should take the court. One thing for sure, a segment of the Chicago fan base wants to see Rose in his uniform on the court and not on the sidelines in street clothes.
When asked today about whether Rose would play in Game 1 against the Miami Heat head Tom Thibodeau stated, “We’ll see.”
Rose was asked about his status. He stated it’s, “still up in the air” whether he’ll play again this season.
Rose’s brother and manager Reggie Rose raised some eyebrows in February with a statement about his brother’s playing status. Reggie Rose suggested the Bulls front-offices’ inability to put better players on the roster could lead his brother to not return until he’s ready. Reggie declared, “What have you pieced together? Have you made any moves? Have you made any trades to get better? You know all roads to the championship lead through Miami,” Reggie Rose told ESPNChicago.com in late February. “What pieces have you put together for the physical playoffs?
The Bulls have endured an array of injuries this season yet they rose (no pun intended) to the occasion in beating the Brooklyn Nets in Game 7 to advance to face the defending champions Miami Heat.
Joakim Noah, who scored 24 points and hauled in 14 rebounds in Game 7, has been suffering from foot injuries. Some point to Noah’s gutsy performance and willingness to play through obvious pain as justification to question Rose’s commitment to the team.
Former Chicago Bull and now TNT analyst Steve Kerr suggested Rose should play if healthy. Then there’s the like of Magic Johnson who believes Rose should come back when he feels right despite being cleared by team doctors.
Has the time come for Derrick Rose to play?
In my opinion the short answer is no. Rose’s first commitment should be to his health and how he feels. It is one thing to be cleared by team doctors, but doctors aren’t the ones playing nor do they have Rose’s feelings.
If Rose were to come back and get injured again the talk would be he came back too soon. If Rose continues to sit out then a segment of the media and fan-base would suggest he’s not being a team player. In essence he’s in a no win situation.
It’s very difficult to strike the proper balance between the commitments one makes to their individual health versus the commitment one makes to their teammates. When fans see guard Nate Robinson puking on the sidelines suffering from the flu or Noah persisting through foot pain it raises questions plausible questions about Rose’s willingness to gut it out. But plausibility in this case isn’t enough.
Irrespective of Rose’s brother’s comments, the disenchanted fans, or pressure from the media Rose should take the floor when he feels he’s healthy and can help his team win for the long haul.
You seek folks it’s not about this season-it’s about the rest of Rose’s career. Even if Rose deemed himself ready to play it would not be enough to outlast the powerful Miami Heat. It would take time in order for Rose to build confidence in his knee and his game to make an impact on this series.
Based on the array of injuries the Chicago Bulls have sustained, Rose’s uncertainty about playing and going against MVP LeBron James and the Miami Heat, I say it’s time for the Bulls to look to next season with a fully healthy Derrick Rose.
Email Dexter directly at drttcd@gmail.com and/or follow him on Twitter: @DextersVPoint.
