Derrick Rose has yet to return for the Chicago Bulls, and that makes CBS Chicago has officially taken exception to his absence.
Per their website (h/t Larry Brown Sports), CBS Chicago is encouraging fans to write an open letter to the former NBA MVP:
t’s been over one year since Derrick Rose’s ACL tear and over two months since doctors cleared him to play.
Still, the former MVP of the league refuses to leave his post on the Bulls bench. Meanwhile, the hobbled Bulls continue to fight on against the Nets in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs.
Frustrated? Here’s your chance to express your feelings to Rose.
In the space below, write an open letter to the face of the Bulls franchise. Yell at him, plead with him, convince him – this is your chance to say whatever it is you want to say to Derrick Rose.
670 The Score wants to hear from you. Please keep your submission under 50 words. We’ll select and publish our favorites.
Seriously? Is this really appropriate?
Rose has been cleared to play since March, and it’s totally understandable that Chicago and its fans are growing anxious, but what gives?
The Bulls hold a 3-2 over the Brooklyn Nets headed into Game 6 and will face the Miami Heat in Round 2 should they advance. Knowing what lies ahead and how banged up the Bulls are (Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich), it seems that urgency levels have reached an all-time high.
There’s no doubt that Chicago would be better off against the Heat with Rose in the lineup—in theory.
Rose hasn’t played in over year, CBS Chicago made a point to acknowledge that. Do they really think that he’s going to be able to return to the lineup and instantly put up All-Star caliber numbers? It’s not out of the realm of possibility, but 12-plus months of rust is a lot to work off, especially against the Heat. If Rose isn’t on point, then he could actually hurt the Bulls.
And let’s be honest, does the city of Chicago really want to risk years of contention for one postseason run full of maybes? It shouldn’t. We can’t go as far as saying the Bulls stand no chance of getting past the Heat, but it is unlikely. Even with Rose.
At this point, unless Rose himself returns on his own accord, there’s no point rushing him back. Had this been February or even March, and the Bulls were gearing up for a stretch run to land a better playoff position, that’s one thing. But it’s May. Rose isn’t going to have enough time to re-acclimate himself to the pace of play. Not even close. I’d hazard he may even be eaten alive by Miami.
Which isn’t what the Bulls want, and it’s not what their fans want either. Of course they want him to return, but not at an additional cost. He could re-injure himself or damage his psyche. From there he could fail to ever regain form. Yes, that’s extreme. But it’s possible.
Chicago has made it this far without Rose. It has endured countless injuries and tribulations and is in a position where it can advance past the first round. Be proud of that. You don’t have to be satisfied, but be proud of it. There’s no reason to indulge the part of you that wants Rose to throw caution to the wind and return for what would be a probably short-lived playoff run.
I guess CBS Chicago just forgot about all that. Rather conveniently, I might add.
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.
