Dennis Wierzbicki – USA Today Sports Images
The Chicago Bulls seemed to have their first round series of the NBA Playoffs with the Brooklyn Nets locked up as they headed into game five with a 3-1 lead in the series. However, the Bulls fell victim to solid games from Brook Lopez and Deron Williams as the Nets took home the 110-91 victory.
One of the reasons that Brooklyn was able to be so successful is because of the injuries that the Bulls are currently dealing with. Lopez is matched up with Joakim Noah, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis, and Williams was matched up with Nate Robinson in game five due to an injury to Kirk Hinrich, who had done an admirable job defending Williams in the first four games.
With all of these injuries and the continuing reports that say he’s healthy, Bulls fans and much of the basketball public are calling for Derrick Rose to return to action. Chicago’s star point guard tore his ACL on April 28 of last year and hasn’t played a game since then, despite the fact that doctors have cleared him to play and that there have been reports of him dominating in practice.
On Wednesday, though, the organization and head coach Tom Thibodeau came out in support of Rose’s decision to continue not to play, acknowledging that Rose knows what is best for him and what is best for the franchise. Though the popular opinion these days may be to think that Rose should be on the floor, the Bulls and Rose are probably in the right in this situation.
Rose is the centerpiece of this organization for their future. When healthy, he’s undoubtedly the leader of and the best player on this Bulls team. Though he physically may be 100 percent healthy, there is obviously something mentally that is limiting him on the floor and keeping him from playing. If Rose goes out into a game before he’s mentally ready, he risks getting injured again by over-compensating for that repaired knee and risks not being effective because he doesn’t trust that knee.
It’s likely that the Bulls will win one of the next two games against the Nets and continue onto the second round of this postseason. It’s also likely that people will continue to call for Rose to return to the floor. However, that’s not what’s best for the team and for Rose. It may not be the popular choice because fans want to see their superstar, but it’s the right choice in the long run.
Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
