Uh-oh, he’s back! And every team in the NBA and every fan in the NBA has something to pay close attention to once again, as the former MVP, Derrick Rose laces ’em up again.
It was unsure if he was going to return any time soon after sitting out all of last year, but watching him play in the preseason would be an assurance to everyone that he will be back and better than ever.
Derrick Rose was injured in the playoffs of the 2011-2012 season. He tore his ACL, which kept him out of play for quite some time. Rose recently returned at the start of the pre-season and right now it is looking incredibly well for him. Rose’s preseason statistics are fantastic considering he is only averaging 20 minutes per game. D-Rose is putting up 13 PPG, 3 APG, 2.5 SPG & 3 RPG. With the help of his team-mates, the Chicago Bulls could be the #1 team in the NBA this year.
From what we are watching in the preseason, the Miami Heat still look to be the biggest trouble the Chicago Bulls may have. Of course, the Miami Heat is trouble for every team in the NBA having 3 no-question Hall of Famers in Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen. However, don’t forget that before Derrick Rose went down, the Chicago Bulls were the #1 seed in the entire NBA.
The Bulls are a physical team, which is a quality many teams don’t possess. Even teams that have the ability to play a physical game don’t do so night in and night out due to potential for discipline issues and health concerns. However, teams that are able to play physically more regularly, are teams that become successful because of their ability to attack the basket and defend ferociously.
We all know the Chicago Bulls are among the toughest and most physical teams in the NBA. Other teams that can play physically include the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Heat definitely have the talent to be a “physical” team, but it’s very much a risk-reward situation for them.
Derrick Rose returning could change the way people think about the NBA pecking order. On Monday, the Chicago Bulls went to face the Memphis Grizzlies, a team I alluded to earlier as being a “physical” force. The Bulls beat them, 106-87. It’s becoming abundantly clear throughout the preseason that the Bulls are going to be even tougher competition for everyone.
Derrick Rose leading the Chicago Bulls is going to be a great storyline this season. Take heed, Heat.
