Derrick Rose Owes It To Teammates To Return On Time

Derrick Rose shouldn’t return in the allotted 4-6 week recovery time period because I keep on writing that he should. He shouldn’t return in this time period because any other fan or journalist implores that he honors the discretion of the team doctors who created this deadline. Rather, Derrick Rose should come back this season because he owes it to his teammates to push through the pain and fight alongside them for the stretch run of the season.

Feb 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard

Jimmy Butler

(21), center

Joakim Noah

(13), and guard Derrick Rose (1) during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the United Center. The Bulls won 112-107. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

An MRI revealed that Rose sustained a tear in the meniscus in his right knee. On Friday February 27, Rose underwent a surgical procedure in which the damaged part of his right meniscus was removed from the knee. Doctors issued a 4-6 week rehabilitation time period before Rose could return to the floor.

Last Monday, Derrick Rose addressed the media in his first press conference since sustaining the meniscus injury. Rose left many questions unanswered during this interview causing many to question the commitment of the Bulls formerly exalted star.

Despite Rose’s unwillingness to commit to the 4-6 week timetable, sources with knowledge of the situation insist that Rose is on pace to make a full recovery within the allotted time period. Check out this tweet by Chicago Tribune reporter K.C. Johnson.

Rose's lack of a definitive public commitment to playing this season contrasts with what he has been saying privately.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 9, 2015

Derrick Rose’s puzzling press conference comments and then the subsequent report by K.C. Johnson does little to clear up the confusion surrounding his return status. Barring a major setback, there isn’t a single legitimate excuse that Derrick Rose can make for not returning by the playoffs. This year marks the best opportunity since the Jordan era for the Bulls to bring home an NBA championship. With the uncertainty that accompanies expiring contracts, the Bulls window of opportunity for winning a championship may close within the next couple of years. They have to make the most of their current opportunity.