To the joy of Bulls fans everywhere, Derrick Rose participated in practice on March 30 and is set to make his return before the conclusion of the NBA regular season. This was his first full-contact practice since undergoing surgery to repair his torn right meniscus in late February. But the question in the back of everyone’s mind is will Rose be healthy enough to make a significant impact in the postseason?
Derrick Rose’s Return: Hope for Chicago Bulls
For the time being, the Chicago Bulls primary concerns are to maintain their high level of play and carry on as if Rose will be out for an extended period of time. Role players, such as Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson, need to continue their productivity in order for the team to keep winning. Once Derrick Rose returns to the starting lineup, then the Bulls can start addressing the issue of incorporating him back into an offensive system that has done considerably well in his absence.
Everyone knows the kind of player Derrick Rose is. When healthy, he does things for his team that are irreplaceable. When he’s on fire, he becomes virtually impossible to guard. He will break your ankles, shoot the lights out, dish out assists left and right, and dunk on you until he breaks the rim. He and Russell Westbrook are categorized amongst the most athletic and explosive point guards to ever play the game of basketball. Derrick Rose healthy is simply the biggest threat on the court.
So what can NBA viewers expect from the former MVP when he makes return? Will they see the struggling point guard who is a shell of what he used to be? Or will they witness the rebirth of dominant player who will once again take over the game? With three major knee surgeries and well-known litany of injuries, the latter scenario may not be quite as plausible as the first and signs of rust are anticipated. However, if Derrick Rose can regain some semblance of good health, opposing teams need to watch out.
Chicago’s “native son” is hungry for a chance at redemption. This is the chance for him to give his home and Bulls fans something to cheer about. The NBA Playoffs will be the stage where he can prove all the doubters and critics wrong. It is an opportunity for the Rose that grew from the concrete to blossom and bask in the sun.
