After Derrick Rose tore his medial meniscus in his right knee that fateful Friday night in Portland two weeks ago, the Chicago Bulls seemed determined to not repeat the public relations mess from last year. As Bulls fans well remember, last year was a season long debacle wondering on whether Derrick Rose would return from his left knee ACL tear.
Hopes were raised with every glowing report about how well Derrick was playing in practice. Hopes were dashed every time he did not play in a game. Even in the playoffs, Bulls fans were still on edge as a Bulls team severely depleted by injury and illness limped into Miami for a series against the Heat. Everyone hoped. Some people even became angry with Rose. Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau became irritated by constant “Is Derrick going to play” questions all season. It was a long, long season.
This time the Chicago Bulls made it a point to announce immediately that Rose was “out for the remainder of the season” and it was generally understood that statement meant the playoffs as well. There, sad as it was, it was done. Season was over. No speculation. No need to worry about whether he would return or not. Expectations were clear. Now the focus was on what the Bulls front office was going to do with tradable players like Luol Deng and others.
It seemed that the Bulls at least had learned the lesson from last year when they left all the fans wondering. Then came the Derrick Rose press conference Thursday. Rose said, “I’m going to try my hardest to get back on the court, and I know I should be out there pretty soon.” Rose added, “I mean if I’m healthy and the situation is right, I’m going to be back playing.”
These statements appear to be opening the door to a return this year if the Bulls make the playoffs. With a very weak Eastern Conference, making the playoffs will likely not be that difficult for a Thibodeau coached veteran squad.
So with two statements, Rose has reopened the door again. No Derrick, please no. We cannot go through this again. And why would Rose wish to do this again? Fair or not, many fans were openly upset with Rose for not returning after he was cleared to play.
If the rehabilitation goes well and Rose can return this season for the playoffs, why not just return then with no season long speculation? It would be more dramatic and avoid all the speculation. Rose likely meant well, but it is hard to understand why he did not learn his lesson from last season.
Here we go again Bulls. Hey, how did Rose look in practice today?
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