Chicago Bulls Must Sit Derrick Rose Until the NBA All-Star Game

Memo to the Chicago Bulls: Do not let Derrick Rose play in another NBA game until the All-Star game next weekend. Even though there has been a contingent of people that suggest Rose should not attempt to play in the All-Star game either.

Rose does have an obligation to be present and accounted for next weekend, but with only three games left until the All-Star break against the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks it makes sense for Rose to completely get healthy because the schedule gets tougher.

With 13 of the next 16 games after the break versus playoff contenders including: the Philadelphia 76ers (twice), Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic (twice), New York Knicks and Miami Heat, the Bulls must continue to play their best basketball.

The only way to achieve this feat is to become healthy. That would require Rose and Richard Hamilton to return at close to full strength.

Back spasms are complicated as we all know. Unlike a hamstring injury that never fully heals without the proper rest, back spasms can flare up at a second’s notice. One bad stretch or move and anyone who is experiencing back spasms can be immobilized for an unspecified period of time.

What will be necessary is for Rose’s minutes be watched carefully, which brings me back to him playing in the All-Star game.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau coaching the East team is a great thing for Rose as I expect Thibodeau to play him sparingly while instead showcasing fellow Bulls All-Star Luol Deng. Playing Rose no more than 15 minutes in the All-Star game should be a priority.

Another priority should be signing veteran Mike James for the rest of the season, not only for insurance, but for a mentor and coach on the floor.

It is apparent that James can still contribute as a backup point guard and shooting guard much the way that Kurt Thomas was to the Bulls as the fifth big man last season. James provides a steady hand on the court as a distributor and scorer that would lessen the workload of both Rose and C.J. Watson, the latter of whom will be freed up to score along the perimeter.

Very simplistic ways to maintain the overall health of the team that must be at the very least, heavily considered. What should not be considered is allowing Rose to play again before the All-Star game, especially with so much riding on this season.