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Enjoy Your Summer, Derrick Rose

By Michael Whitlow

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Since becoming the NBA’s youngest MVP in history, Derrick Rose’s body has failed him and has made the world wonder if he’ll ever be the same star again. After some tumultuous times for the 26-year-old superstar, he appears to be enjoying life again, and that’s a good thing for the Bulls moving forward.

Not many sports figures are more criticized and critiqued more than Derrick Rose is in the city of Chicago. (OK, Bear fans. Jay Cutler doesn’t count. He’s just bad.)

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After leading the Chicago Bulls to 62 wins and the top overall seed in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, Rose won the NBA MVP Award and became the youngest player ever to accomplish the feat (22 years, six months).

Then, the injuries plagued the 26-year-old superstar.

In the next four seasons for the Bulls, Rose tore the ACL in his left knee, sat out a full season to rehab the knee, then tore the meniscus in his right knee twice, and has tweaked his ankles and hamstrings on a couple different occasions.

But, after meniscus surgery on his right knee in February, and a solid playoff performance in his first postseason action in four years, Rose seems to be not only getting his basketball career on track, but he appears to be enjoying his life again.

https://instagram.com/p/5-jHPzL4vD/

Awww.

There’s not much in life that’s cuter than watching Derrick Rose take his son, P.J., on a ride throughout his home in California on a Phunkee Duck. (Seriously, how awesome are those things?)

But seriously, there’s more to life than just basketball, and it’s nice to see Rose enjoying some time with his son and not rehabbing another knee injury.

Further more, Rose declined to attend the Team USA mini camp this summer, which means more time with the family, and more personal time honing his craft in the gym. That’s exactly what Rose should be focused on heading into a big year for the Bulls.

But first, he’s going to Disneyland!

“Pooh” rocking a Disney-themed Pooh hat? That’s awesome.

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s good to see Rose out and about with his family, rather than putting himself through some grueling rehab workouts to get his body back to what it used to be. Rose has suffered injuries that have the potential to put guys on the shelf for good. The fact that he’s found a way to battle back is a testament to the kind of person the Bulls want leading their organization.

Obviously, there’s going to be the “Why is he at Disneyland? Get in the gym!” crowd. To them, I say, “They’re basketball players, not robots. It’s OK to have a little fun and get your mind off the hardwood for a while.”

Having said that, without having to worrying about Team USA’s camp — and a potentially (unintentional) awkward reunion with former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau — Rose has more time to focus on his family and getting his own game back to the “Stop it, D-Rose!” days.

Plus, for the naysayers, I present to you:

Strong words from Rose’s trainer after a workout with Rose and MVP candidate Russell Westbrook.

Next: Internet-famous NBA impersonator adds Derrick Rose to his list

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