Derrick Rose Continues to Frustrate Fans With Comments

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose isn’t doing himself any favors by continuing to be noncommittal about returning this season, despite indications that he is on schedule to make a return within the next week.

Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) warms up prior to a game against the New York Knicks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

On Feb. 27, 2015, Rose underwent surgery in his right knee to remove the damaged portion of his medial meniscus. The Bulls organization, in collaboration with medical professionals, created a four-to-six week timetable for return. This timetable expires on April 10. If he returns by then, he would be able to play in three regular season games before the playoffs begin.

All indications point to Rose returning on time. On Monday, Derrick participated in a full team practice. On Tuesday, and the days since, Rose has participated in full contact scrimmages with the rest of his teammates. Coach Tom Thibodeau said that conditioning is the biggest thing holding him back at this point in his rehab.

"He was a little winded, but we expected that. Overall, I thought it was good. He said he feels good physically. The big thing is going to be the wind and conditioning. He’s been out a long time.”"

This isn’t a completely positive report but it does indicate that Rose should make his highly anticipated return on time. I have said in previous editorials that soreness, non-substantial pain or “lack of conditioning” shouldn’t prevent him from returning given the importance of this season. Rose began practice on Monday, giving him 10 full days to work out the kinks and fix the conditioning issues. The reports coming out of Chicago this week should therefore breed optimism among Bulls fans, right?

On Wednesday, Rose dropped a bomb on hopes that he will return by the specified date. When he was asked by reporters whether he would return before the regular season ended, Rose had this to say.

"Who knows? As far as playing a game or trying to come back full strength and all that, that’s going to come."

I can almost hear the collective sighs of Bulls fans everywhere after hearing these comments. The problem is we have heard this before. Rose has developed a reputation for being overtly cautious with his injuries, insisting that everything must be completely right before he returns to the court. He is a perfectionist to a fault. The nature of an NBA season virtually eliminates a player from entering the playoffs 100% healthy.

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