Return to Normal: Weighing the reprise of Derrick Rose

The 2016-17 season, Derrick Rose’s first as a member of a team that’s not the Chicago Bulls, didn’t go so well. Here’s a hot take: why not look to bring him back to finish what’s left of his career?

When the lights faded for the final time following the 2015-16 season for Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls, GarPax seemed to have decided it was time to dissolve to evolve for the future of the franchise.

April 3, 2016 was the final game of the season and the last for Derrick Rose in a Bulls uniform. Although the Bulls came out on top in a 105-102 win over the eventual NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, Rose finished -20. Although he’s had a career made famous by the promises of return, there wouldn’t be one to Chicago after the season ended.

Jump ahead to June 22, 2016, when Rose was relocated. Rose, along with Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick were sent to the New York Knicks. In return, the Bulls received José Calderón, Jerian Grant and Robin Lopez.

Shortly thereafter, a former girlfriend accused Rose and two friends of rape. Although Rose was cleared by an eight-juror panel, the damage had been done. The once beloved Bulls point guard fell into a ring of fan-shaming and continues to struggle in regaining status.

In his lone stand with the Knicks, the 28-year-old guard looked more like an impersonator than himself. Rose averaged 18 points, 4.4 assists and had a player efficiency rating of 17. Statistically, there wasn’t a significant drop off from the Derrick Rose of previous seasons, where over his career, he’s averaged 19.5 points, six assists and has an 18.1 PER.

Prior to the injury, Rose was averaging 21 points and 6.8 assists with a 4.1 offensive plus/minus. Since the injury, Rose has averaged 17.3 points and 4.6 assists with an offensive plus/minus of -0.2. Additionally for Rose, who made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons to start his career, has not sniffed postseason basketball all but once in 2014-15.

Nov 22, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) walks out of the Moda Center on crutches after being injured in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers won the game 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

But that was all then, this could be now, or even for the future

It doesn’t take a genius to explain the career that should’ve been for Derrick Rose. The guy who grew up a Bulls fan rooting for Michael Jordan was showered with the town’s same admiration. His signature sneakers were on the feet of aspiring hoopers across the world.

Returning to Chicago isn’t an unrealistic concept on paper. The Bulls are clearly lacking the generator at from the point guard position. Rose, after a lackluster season with the 31-51 Knicks, will be an inexpensive contract for a team with point guard needs.

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Getting in the way of the deal will be money bad blood. Rose was an astronomic figure in the landscape of Chicago sports before his departure to New York. On the other side of the aisle, Gar Forman and John Paxson represent the aggressors. The two men responsible for his drafting were the same then ensured his departure.

In retrospect, the damage done by the trade appeared to be cleared sometime over the last 365 days. Fans can recall the estranged Rose took a courtside seat for his former club’s first round matchup against the Boston Celtics.

After the game, Rose, who sat next to his son, PJ. during the match-up offered to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:

"If I was by myself, it might be a little bit weird. But I’m with him [his son, PJ]. He makes it a lot easier. I look at it all that happened in the past. The memories will always be there. My heart is still here when I visit. I just love basketball, so I had to watch."

Perhaps after the Rajon Rondo injury, spectators may not have been able to help themselves but to wonder what sort of success their unit might have if their former No. 1 was leading the Bulls charge.

With the lights dwindling on the NBA’s playoffs, we’re but in the twilight of the offseason rollercoaster ride. The Bulls, who looked like the eighth seed out of a designer factory, have some tough choices.

Can the team compete now? Who knows. It’s LeBron’s conference anyway. Should they pull the plug on this team and start a rebuild? Well, Jimmy Butler is probably too talented for that.

Derrick Rose was a result of the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery for the Chicago Bulls.

Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Former Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose attends the game during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Enter the return of Derrick Rose

When fully healthy, Rose was the surefire best point guard in the league. It’s not easy to be the league’s best at your spot when there’s only five positions in the game. However, Rose missed 267 games as a member of the Chicago Bulls; the team went 138-119 in spite of his numerous absences.

Despite the imposing number of games missed, there’s still something special about Derrick Rose in a Bulls uniform. First of all, he didn’t look right wearing No. 25. Second, he didn’t look right with “New York” on his chest. Third, there’s just something about Chicago’s own son wearing Jordan’s old colors.

The unceremonious conclusion of Rose’s tenure in New York will likely move his locker out of Madison Square Garden. With the departure of Carmelo Anthony looking more and more likely, it’s doubtful the Knicks would stick with older bodies in general.

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Although his performance in New York would indicate otherwise, Rose might still have good basketball left in his career. Often forgotten, due to the injuries, is that Rose is just 28 years young.

Is it truly implausible that Rose could be on the verge of regaining status?

Health will always be the underlying factor for the guy whose knee injuries have undercut his team’s chances to visit the NBA Finals.

Sure, this team could use a younger point guard. The Bulls could use youth in a lot of different areas. The return of Derrick Rose offers a chance at redemption, although Rose doesn’t really need to do much redeeming.

Lacking much questioning from the fan base about “what went wrong” for their great hope’s time in the city (it was his knees), Rose has a chance to bring absolution.

There’s something about Rose in that No. 1 Chicago Bulls jersey that’s quite divine. When Derrick Rose wore the aforementioned Bulls attire, existing was the unquestioned knowledge of the team’s leadership. Jimmy Butler isn’t great in that role. Finding that guy is harder than it looks. Just ask, well, the Bulls.

Bringing Rose back to Chicago ensures that the Bulls are in this for now, not for the future. Though this may be to the chagrin of some, the idea of Rose, Butler and Lopez sharing the floor over the next few seasons doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Add in Nikola Mirotic and you’ve got the makings of a pretty formidable roster.

While there’s little-to-no knowledge of what Rose might have left in those knees, even for a 28-year-old, Rose in Chicago is emblematic. Plus, if the guard can do what he’s capable of, the volume of the United Center will be unprecedented. Those “M-V-P” chants shouted for Butler could return to its former suitor.

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Currently, lacking the stripes of another suitor, Rose is on the hunt for a new, or even old home. Perhaps its the Chicago band Wilco who would say it best, as in the words of Jeff Tweedy:

"Searching for a home,Searching for a home,Via Chicago.I’m coming home,I’m coming home."

(If you’re interested in the name of the song, it’s “Via Chicago”.)

Certainly, it’s time for Rose to, once again, come home, via Chicago.