Jimmy Butler’s Prompt Return Should Motivate Derrick Rose

After injuring his elbow March 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Bulls wing-man Jimmy Butler returned to action Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Butler picked up where he left off, scoring 19 points in 40 minutes of playing time. No minutes restriction for Jimmy! Butler returned in just over three weeks since sustaining the injury; on the earlier end of the allotted 3-6 week timetable that was given to him by doctors. With Taj Gibson also returning from injury late last week, the Bulls are almost at full strength as they head into the stretch run of the season. One notable exception: a certain Chicago-born point guard that everybody loves to ridicule these days.

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Barring an unforeseen setback, Derrick Rose needs to return within the allotted 4-6 week time table that was given to him by management in collaboration with doctors. The “I’m not mentally ready” excuse will not suffice this time around. When he was rehabbing from his ACL injury, Rose claimed he couldn’t play because his hamstrings and other parts of his legs were sore. This season, these excuses won’t fly. Joakim Noah has been hobbling around the court all season on one leg. Rose can play with a little soreness or if something isn’t quite right. He owes it to his teammates to return and battle with them through their playoff push.

The nature of an NBA season virtually eliminates the possibility of a player entering the playoffs at 100%. Rose needs to understand that the Bulls are paying him $95 million and expect him to play through lingering ailments. Chicago needs him to return if they want to have any shot of competing for an NBA championship. However, they don’t necessarily need Rose playing at an MVP type level to win anymore; there is enough talent on this team to compensate for Rose not being at 100%. They need all of their players healthy, including Rose, in order to win.

Mar 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward

Nikola Mirotic

(44) and forward Taj Gibson (22) celebrate at the end of their NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at United Center. Bulls won 98-86. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Reports coming out of Chicago indicate that he is on the fast track for returning within the allotted 4-6 week timetable. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Derrick Rose may be cleared for contact as early as next week. He is currently three and a half weeks into his rehabilitation, meaning that a return should be imminent based on the given timetable.

Mar 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Tom Thibodeau has been pleased with Rose’s progress but stresses that it is a methodical process.

"“It’s just step-by-step. The first week is just range of motion, strengthening the knee. And then you progress from there. He’s doing just about everything now except the contact.”"

Thibodeau also added that Rose is “pretty close” to returning to full contact practices. If Rose begins participating in contact drills next week as expected, the next step in his rehab would be playing in games. If Rose begins full contact practice at the beginning of next week (next Monday is March 30), he will have 12 days of full practice participation to get ready before his 6 week timetable deadline expires on April 10. The Bulls don’t have a game until April 11, so that gives him one more day of prep time.

Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls forward

Pau Gasol

(16) and guard Derrick Rose (1) and head coach Tom Thibodeau during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Rose has a chance to be a hero. Imagine a scenario in which Rose comes back for the playoffs after three major knee surgeries and leads his team to an NBA title. His name will forever go down in Chicago lore, and he will be a local legend of Mike Ditka and Michael Jordan proportions. The only way this scenario happens is if Rose laces up his shoes and plays in games this season. No excuses, only a return will be adequate at this point.

Butler set the precedent for returning on time. It’s Rose’s turn to return the favor.

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