The Chicago Bulls have just five games to play and Derrick Rose continues to sit on the sidelines. Something must be wrong.
And there is. It’s Rose’s knee. Not his relationship with the organization.
With the former NBA MVP still out of action, fans and pundits have grown impatient. He’s cleared to play and we’ve seen video of him dunking, why won’t he just play?
So much goes into the answer to that question, but what we need to understand is Rose will play when he’s ready to play. When he’s physically, mentally and emotionally ready to run through the tunnel with his teammates, he will. And that’s perfectly fine with the Chicago organization.
Whispers of a rift between the point guard and the team have been manufactured. He wasn’t supposed to be out this long. It was possible, but it wasn’t supposed to happen. One could then understand if the Bulls as a faction were frustrated.
According to head coach Tom Thibodeau, though, there is no animosity that exists between the team and Rose (via Jim Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times):
“Yeah, yeah, right from the start,’’ Thibodeau said. “I thought [board chairman] Jerry [Reinsdorf] set the tone for it right at the beginning, he made it clear about how we were going to approach it. We were never going to rush him back and we weren’t going to allow him to rush himself back. And I think he heeded Jerry’s advice right from the beginning, he’s been diligent, he’s done everything that you could possibly do. He puts everything he has into each and every day. He’s still not quite ready and I think we have to trust him, so when he is ready we’ll move forward.’’
Asked specifically if there has been a difference of opinion along the way on treatment or timetables, Thibodeau responded with, “Not that I know of.’’
“I think it’s been very clear right from the beginning and we made it very clear that we don’t want him out there unless he’s comfortable,’’ Thibodeau said. “He’s done his part, we have to do what’s right and I think we are.’’
Well, all of Chicago can rest easy. Rose won’t be demanding a trade anytime soon on account of a lack of support. The Bulls continue to stand behind their absent point man.
Perturbing (annoying?) though it may be to see Rose still sit on the sidelines, it’s really a necessity. Rushing him back isn’t good for his or the team’s future. Him returning now won’t do much. I’m not one to say never—especially when it comes to Rose—but the Bulls aren’t in a position to win a championship this year. Is it possible? Yes. Unlikely? Also yes. Especially now.
With the regular season almost over, Rose’s return won’t necessarily help the Bulls, no matter how ready he is. He’s still going to have to work through some rust and get his feet wet. There is going to be a transition period.
Now, I know Chicago’s chances of unseating the Miami Heat don’t increase sans Rose, but should that transition period really take place at a time when “win or go home” takes precedence?
Absolutely not.
If Rose has to miss the entire season, then so be it. It will make for a smoother return next year, when he’s had an additional six months and full training camp to his credit.
By no means am I saying that he shouldn’t return this season either. If he’s ready and the Bulls are willing, then put him in the lineup. All I’m saying is let the man heal peacefully. Let Chicago persevere through these trying times without creating fictitious conflicts.
Rose will return when he can, when he wants to. When he does, the Bulls will be standing behind him. Just like they have the entire time. And just like they continue to now.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
