Boy I love writing about this team. Do you want to know why Pippen Peoples? Because the Chicago Bulls ALWAYS give me something to sound off about. Ah, the Chicago Bulls rumors are SOLID GOLD! Even in the offseason, the Chicago Bulls never seem to disappoint me.
When Carlos Boozer was close to being amnestied, I held out hope. I prayed that Carlos Boozer would stick around. (Sorry Jimbo, I knew Boozer was gone, check the old articles.) With Boozer being gone, I wondered where would all the drama come from.
Man, Derrick Rose! I love you playa! You came to my rescue. Happy days are here again with at least 150-200 articles this year!
After Carlos Boozer got the amnesty provision and was waived, I wrote a piece called “Boozer’s Gone…Spotlight’s On You Dawg!” I just knew that after Carlos Boozer got clowned on for his defense (or lack thereof), someone had to take his place as the most scrutinized and criticized. Sure Derrick Rose got some snide comments about his injuries, but the Bulls were winning so he didn’t get the full bore of the criticism like Boozer. Well now that’s changed.
Earlier this week the Chicago Sun-Times did a report on some interesting Chicago Bulls rumors that were floating around the campfire. There were rumors that there was tension between Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls’ front office. According to the sources of the Chicago Sun Times, the feud started once Rose’s camp took shots at the Bulls’ front office during contract negotiations.
Okay let’s hear it. Ooh Pippen Ain’t Easy is trying to start something. They are making something out of nothing.
Nope. I saw this one coming from eight states away.
The Pippen Peoples should have too, if they were paying attention. The franchise didn’t exactly handle Derrick Rose’s health issues with the precision of a public relations firm. They blew it the first time when Rose hurt his knee and started the will he or won’t he return for the playoffs fiasco. Then last year, somehow reports leaked out that Derrick Rose may be healthy enough to play in the postseason. I mean think about all of the reports that were stating that Rose was looking great in workouts. It sent out mixed messages and Rose was criticized for that too.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Must be a towering inferno if Jerry Reinsdorf released a statement through the team denying the report.
"“I am confounded by the irresponsible report in the Chicago Sun-Times suggesting there is anything approaching discord or confusion between the Bulls executive office, coaching staff and Derrick Rose or any other Bulls player,” said Reinsdorf. “To the contrary, I can remember no time when the organization has been more focused, optimistic, and cohesive. I’ve got to assume suggestions otherwise are intended to undermine the goals and objectives, spirit and reputation of the Chicago Bulls.”"
Okay then. Let’s see what Derrick Rose has to say about the situation.
"“I know it’s been there.,” Rose told the Sun Times. I heard there were some upset people. I’m happy I didn’t personally see it. I don’t want to see that. I kind of wonder where it was coming from because it seemed like whenever I was around, everything was all right. It bothered me because when I wasn’t around, I would hear from certain people that everything wasn’t all right.”"
WOW! Talk about two sides to the same story! Jerry Reinsdorf seems to think everything is all right while Derrick Rose says something different. He says that people come to him saying the opposite.
Maybe it was his brother Reggie who also poses as his manager. He didn’t help his cause to get an invite to the Christmas party putting the Bulls organization on blast back on February 21, 2013 for it’s lack of activity at the trade deadline. Oh and that was at the time that Derrick Rose was still dealing with his torn anterior cruciate ligament issues even though the team doctors cleared him to return to the court.
There are two things I have learned in my months at Pippen Ain’t Easy.
1) The Chicago Bulls like to keep their moves and plans locked up like Fort Knox.
2) The Chicago Bulls front office or coaching staff does not like being criticized outside the organization. Period.
Remember Ron Adams, the most trusted ally of Tom Thobodeau? He criticized the front office for personnel moves. Well he’s gone.
I knew Carlos Boozer was history as soon as he called out Tom Thibodeau for playing time. Well he’s gone too.
Are we seeing a trend here?
I can tell you right now Pippen Peoples, whether you want to hear this or not, the reality show that is the Chicago Bulls is not dead. Let me tell you something. Jerry Reinsdorf was recently in the hospital this past weekend while at the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies. Thankfully he is fine. But if he should be resting. If he had to make time to make a statement to defend his franchise, there is more to this story.
Well Pippen Peoples there is more to this story and Pippen Ain’t Easy will look at them in part two of this ongoing saga.
Jul 30, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA guard Derrick Rose fields questions from reporters following a team practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports