Chicago Bulls Have To Face Reality That D-Rose Is Out For Season

The Chicago Bulls are still in a state of shock in the aftermath of their leader, Derrick Rose, going down for the season with the torn meniscus in his right knee. They have to somehow get over it and salvage this season the best that they can. That’s easier said than done when you’re missing a former MVP and best player out of your lineup.

The Bulls had to face this same situation and adversity last season when Rose was out. But this time around, it might be more difficult to win because they don’t have the depth. The guard play is where they will be attacked by other teams. Kirk Hinrich is a solid, veteran point guard, but can’t play major minutes because his body breaks down easily. Marquis Teague is the young backup and he just isn’t ready. Then you have veteran Mike James, who could contribute some, but you can’t rely on him for major minutes either. Rookie Tony Snell will get more of a look as well. Those guys just don’t put a lot of fear in other teams, though.

The Bulls will have to rely on the core of Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler (once he’s back from his own injury). These are the guys that have to get the Bulls back on track and playing with fire. It’s one thing to lose focus, but to lose to a bad Utah Jazz team is unacceptable. Coach Tom Thibodeau has to get these guys to keep it moving forward and get back to what they do best; share the basketball and playing hard-nosed defense.

The one positive the Bulls have going for them is that the Eastern Conference is very weak right now. Teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are struggling real bad. The Bulls need to take advantage in the East and get back to winning. The rate the conference is going, the Bulls could play .500 basketball and still finish in the top five.

With all this being said, the Bulls are at a crossroads. Some people are saying they should tank, which is laughable to coach Thibodeau. As long as he is coaching, that would never happen. Others are saying they need to trade some of their assets, which is not easy to do. If the Bulls stick it out the rest of the season with the roster they have, they need to refocus and face reality that D-Rose is not coming back this season. He wants them to compete and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Courtney Harden is a Chicago Bulls writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @courtney110979, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.