Hardaway: Derrick Rose should sit out 2012-13 season


Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

There have been many opinions on how to handle Derrick Rose’s recovery. From executives, coaches, fans, the media and former players, there has been no shortage of debate on when the former MVP will return from the torn ACL he suffered at the start of last season’s playoffs.

Former NBA player Tim Hardaway weighed in Thursday, saying that the all-star guard should sit out the entire 2012-13 season.

Hardaway tore his ACL in a similar manner in 1993, while maneuvering in for a layup. The injury was non-contact, like Rose, and Hardaway missed the following season while recovering.

“I’d rather just have him take his time, so he can be 100 percent, because he’s like me, running and jumping,” Hardaway said to ESPNNewYork.com.

Rose tore his ACL on April 28 in the first round of the playoffs, and doctors initially projected an 8 to 12 month timetable for recovery. While Rose has said he is ahead of schedule, the Chicago Bulls have made it clear they won’t bring the former MVP back until he is 100 percent healthy.

Hardaway also mentioned that he believes Rose’s shooting will improve following the recovery, due to the restrictions on his practicing for a large part of the rehabilitation process.

 “His jumpshot is going to come back a lot better than what it was,” Hardaway said. “His jumpers and his free throw percentage is going to be up. I’m telling you. That’s all you can do. You can’t do anything else, but shoot around and just shoot free throws.”

Keeping Rose out for the entire 2012-13 season wouldn’t be a huge blow to the Bulls, who are already planning for the future judging by their off-season moves. With Carlos Boozer likely gone following this season and Luol Deng’s contract coming off the books, the Bulls will likely look to pair another marquee free agent with Rose, while extending forward Taj Gibson to a multi-year deal.

 

Zach Mink covers the Chicago Bulls for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @zachmink12 for more news and analysis.