NBA Rumors: Why Derrick Rose Is No Lock for Chicago Bulls Monday

The entire city of Chicago waits with bated breath for Derrick Rose to tell them he’s healthy and ready to play. 

For those holding their breath: continue to wait.  

Even the latest buzz that he’ll be back on the court against the Nets Monday night is nothing more than just that: buzz. For Derrick to get back on the court, he’ll have to get past shootaround. 

This isn’t the first time this has happened. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls superstar followed a similar pattern before Friday night's beatdown of the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

K.C Johnson writes: 

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As for Rose, he told teammates on Friday in Cleveland he planned to play and didn't. So the morning shootaround could determine if he can play on his sprained big left toe.

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With Derrick Rose and his turf toe, it’s a constant game of “wait and see.” 

For the Bulls, the cautious approach is their best option if they want to ensure that their franchise is ready for the long haul. 

The 66-game schedule has already taken a toll on several NBA players including Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo.

For Rose, he needs to be concerned about making the playoffs and being ready for that.

While the Nets might be a nice start up point for the injured point guard, the Bulls are capable of handling the Lopez-less Nets and likely handling the Pacers and the Bucks before facing Miami on Sunday.

To rush Rose back for games that are largely meaningless against teams that pose no real threat to them in the playoffs is an unnecessary risk.

Let’s hope the Bulls and Derrick Rose take the cautious approach and wait it out. The city of Chicago can wait it out, but their championship dreams cannot.