Derrick Rose signed a new five-year contract extension with the Chicago Bulls for just under $95,000,000 back in 2011. The deal counted for 30% of the Bull’s salary cap at the time which is the max allowed under a new rule now known as the “Derrick Rose Rule”. This came after Rose was selected by the Bulls as their first overall draft pick of 2008 followed by his being the NBA Rookie of the Year. In just his second year with Chicago, Rose was selected to the NBA All-Star Team. Since being drafted, rose has led the Bulls to the NBA Playoffs every year… up until now.
Derrick Rose was born in Chicago but went to college at the University of Memphis where he led the Tigers to the NCAA National Championship Game in 2008 as one of the premier point guards in the country.
In 2011, he received the NBA MVP Award, becoming the youngest player ever to win it. He joined Michael Jordan as the only Chicago Bulls players to win the honor. Rose also became only the third player in the NBA for the past 30 years to have scored over 2,000 points and recorded over 600 assists in one season. The other two guys were LeBron James and, of course, Michael Jordan. It was the Bull’s first season with 60+ wins since 1998.
Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during last years’ playoff game against the 76ers was out for the rest of the season. He had surgery in early May and his recovery time was estimated at 8-12 months. Dr. Brian Cole, who performed the procedure said, “We will see Derrick back on the floor at some point next season”. Now is appears as if that might not happen.
The question being asked is, “Why risk it?” The Bulls are not going to make the playoffs this year, with or without Rose. They are already 12.5 games back in the Eastern Conference with Miami and New York appearing uncatchable. So, why not let Rose take the time to complete a full recovery and be ready to go for next season?
Rose’s Doctor has cleared him to play but the Bull’s star point guard says that he will not return to the lineup until he feels confident dunking off of his left foot.
Take it easy Derrick, we look forward to seeing you next year.
