I’m probably the only Bulls fan who is not surprised by the Derrick Rose news.
The 2012-13 season already paved a pathway on the bench for Rose after tearing his ACL in his left knee, following 19 months later with an injured medial meniscus in his right. Yet, even though he has another three years left with the team, I strongly anticipate that the November 22 game was his last as the Chicago Bulls’ point guard.
D-Rose proved to Chicago fans that he was ready to jump back on the court, starting off the season averaging 15.9 points per game. However, that Friday against the Trail Blazers verified that Rose was not invincible. After he left the game, fans wondered what would remain of the Bulls’ season, since many believed the current roster would not score enough points to keep Chicago on top.
Chicago fans placed “The Return’s” preseason potential on a pedestal and selected him to lead the team to victory both at home and on the road. However, now that he’s recovering from surgery, some of those same people are now criticizing his place on the team. But the worst gossip amongst those supporters had me in awe: The Chicago Bulls will spiral to being the worst team in the NBA.
I cannot deny Rose’s talent and contribution to the team. But what many do not realize is that The Bulls have a strong and steady roster that will keep the team on top, even though Rose walked off the court.
This team will prove to be strong, just as they did last year by winning the fifth seed upon Rose’s departure. I still see Noah, Deng, Boozer and even Mirotic steering the team to victory.
Yes, the MVP is done for the season. Yes, he was a major factor to Chicago’s success. But do not undermine the capacity The Bulls will demonstrate on the court down the road.
-Emily Saucedo
