After leaving Tuesday night's game against the Nuggets in the first half due to tightness in his hamstring, Derrick Rose suited up for the Bulls on their visit to Boston Friday. He had 21 points and four assists on 28 minutes, reminding everyone he can still be an explosive player when he's healthy.
Derrick Rose has been great for the Bulls -- when he’s healthy
With every game he plays, Rose shows he is still an impact player. That’s why the emphasis should solely be on keeping him healthy.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Rose's effort helped the Bulls right the ship after starting out their seven-game road trip 2-3. Best of all, Rose didn't suffer any setbacks and is scheduled to play his third straight game for the first time this season when the Bulls face the Nets Sunday afternoon.
The situation surrounding Rose is uncomfortable for everyone involved. Rose made himself no favors when he implied he was prioritizing his long term health over regular season games. After Joakim Noah asked everyone to chill out, Tom Thibodeau said "(Rose) has to get out there and play," a sentiment he repeated after Friday's game. Bulls fans are losing their patience, even though it's November and the team should be thinking about June.
Lost in all this off-court drama is the fact Rose has looked great when he has suited up. Rose’s stats are down across the board because he’s not playing as many minutes as in the past, but per 36 minutes he is scoring 23 points and logging seven assists. His outside shot is not back but he is doing a fantastic job finishing in the paint and getting himself to the line. The Bulls are significantly better on both ends of the court when he’s playing. There’s every reason for optimism.
On Friday against the Celtics, Rose had plays like these:
There are not a lot of point guards who can perform like that consistently and Rose is one of them. It’s important to remember that, even when the injury reports draw as much attention as the games at this point.
Hopefully the Bulls can find middle ground between Thibodeau's desire to see Rose out there and the player's wishes to be cautious. Injuries have ravaged the Bulls early, but they do have the depth at point guard, with Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks, to keep Rose in limited minutes, like they have so far. Jimmy Butler's emergence and Pau Gasol's offensive ability should keep the offense afloat even if Rose takes a game off now and then. The team should likely err on the side of caution in this situation, ignoring misguided public pressure on Rose.
The Bulls have the potential to be one of the few real contenders out there with Rose at the center of their championship aspirations. He’s showed he is still an impact player when he’s on the court. There’s no need to worry about rust or diminishing ability. As long as Rose is healthy and happy once the playoffs roll around, the Bulls should be fine. It’s on everyone involved -- Rose included -- to make sure that happens by being smart about how they proceed going forward.
★★★
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