Location is the Madhouse on Madison, also known as the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Its game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. With 23 points, 9 assists, 9rebounds and a minute and 22 seconds left on the clock, Derrick Rose, coming into the season as the reigning league MVP, jumped to score on a basket and came down horribly on his knee. The result was that he tore his ACL, missed the rest of the playoffs, the 2012 season, and only played 10 games in the 2013 season.
And unfortunately, that has been the short-term narrative for the career for Derrick Rose: great player,injury prone. To say that Derrick Rose has had a bout with the injury bug is the understatement of the year, this player playing for his hometown has had a injury bug transfusion. But now Derrick Rose is poised to come back this season, and everyone is excited. So lets look at how his game has changed, what he needs to do to keep himself off the injury list for long periods, and what his return means.
First, lets look at his first game back, which just so happened to be with the United States National Team.
Now these highlights proved a couple of things. First and foremost, he is still his same old self in the sense that he is going 100 miles per hour every time he touches the ball. It also proves that his knee is as strong as it used to be, even though he had to sit out a few of the following FIBA World Cup friendlies after said game. But while he didnt score much points, you realize that looking at highlights like this and his game against Brazil is that he is making better decisions with his cuts and his scoring ways when he gets to the hole. It seems that his dunking over a defender days are over, and instead he is willing to use his athleticism to perform lay-ups and even pass it. He is becoming more of the point guard he needs to be for the Bulls, instead of being the attacking 2 guard he was when he became the league MVP.
Now there is a way for his game to expand and for him to avoid the injury bug: his jump-shooting. Now I understand he didn't come into the league as a killer from mid or long- range but he needs it. The reason MVP's like Lebron James and Kevin Durant have become so successful is because they added a second aspect to their game: Lebron added a strong post-up presence and passing, and Durant has increased his handles along with not jacking up 3-pointers and willing to go near the hole. If Derrick Rose becomes a better shooter especially from the mid-range (career percentage is 51%) his 3 point game will be even better than it already is, at 66%. Now why is this important? Because his speed can make a defender question whether they should guard him close when he shoots, or if they play a bit off to be ready to counter his incredible speed. This would make him dangerous to defend against, which is scary.
What could his return mean? Ill put it in 2 words: Stop Lebron. I don't care what you think of the man, Lebron as of right now has the most dangerous team in the league, and it just so happens to be in his hometown team of Cleveland. With the addition of Shawn Marion, Kevin Love(pending the August 23rd trade happening), Ray Allen on his way to the team, and Mike Miller, this team is poised to make it to the NBA Finals. And all of that can be prevented if Derrick Rose plays in the way we have discussed. If Rose does this, with the combination of Joakim Noah and Paul Gasol, along with the draft pickup of Doug McDermott, they have the necessary tools to beat Cleveland not just for a number one seed, but possibly for the right to go to the NBA Finals and win it.
So Rose unfortunately gets multiple injuries to his legs, misses 2 seasons and you get to come back as not only a MVP candidate but could lead a team to the NBA Finals? You couldn't ask for a better career. Yes I know the injuries are the last thing any player wants, but sometimes they can be a blessing in disguise. I was once told that the true test of a man is found when they go through a crucible and survive. In the case of Derrick Rose, he has survived his and now gets to show how much better he can be because of it. And in the city of Chicago, where the city is going through the same thing, he can be the one shining thing that helps lead it through its own.
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