NBA fans from across the globe surely remember that fateful night back during the 2012 NBA Playoffs, when an unfortunate knee injury robbed us of witnessing one of the most exciting to watch players, Derrick Rose, for more than a season.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 526 days since D. Rose last suited up for the Chicago Bulls for live on-court action, and although it was during an offensively challenged, drag-out preseason win against the Pacers, Rose appears bulked up, healthy, and showing no ill affects from the ACL tear that forced him to miss the entire ’12-’13 NBA season.
The former 2011 MVP, the last player not named James to win the award, started off slow, deferring to teammates but seemed to have that extra gear and hop in his step after putting back his own offensive rebound for his first 2 points, then attempting to draw an offensive foul on the other end.
Even though Rose was called for a block on the play, it surely puts to rest any doubts we should have that Derrick, is favoring the once injured knee, and is willing to play in his accustomed to all-out style of play that made him the youngest MVP winner ever.
While the debut was a success, that’s not to say he didn’t show a little rust from not playing in a live game for so long, as Rose shot just 5-12 from the field, missing a few bunnies on drives to the rim, although one could question a few referees’ non calls, who were apparently still in preseason mode as well.
Rose did finish with a rather pedestrian, for him, 13 points in 20 minutes of action, but it surely is a feel good story and welcomed sight to see such an exhilarating player back on the court. Now maybe the Bulls finally have all of the pieces to unseat the Heat in the East? One step at a time…..
Derrick Rose Fastbreak Dunk – First Game Since 2012:
Nick Friedell from ESPN Chicago mentioned on Twitter over the weekend that Rose has gone from 37 inch vertical before his injury, to 42 inches after his surgery and rehab. Damn, look out league:
Rose said after the game that he gained five inches in his vertical after the surgery — going from 37 to 42 after being tested this summer.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 6, 2013
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
