NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Need to Save Derrick Rose for Playoffs
Derrick Rose has sustained ankle, toe, back and groin injuries...all this season.
And with eight games remaining in the regular season for the Chicago Bulls, there is no reason to force him onto the floor.
Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com reported before the Bulls' game against the Knicks on Tuesday:
"As usual, Thibs says Rose is a game-time decision. Rose said there's still swelling in ankle and some pain. Translation: He's out.
— Nick Friedell (@ESPNChiBulls) April 10, 2012"
The Miami Heat are within range of the Bulls for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but keeping Rose healthy heading into the postseason is the most important thing. The Bulls are realistically not going to make it past the Heat in the playoffs if Rose is hobbling, home-court advantage or not.
That's why the Bulls need to shelve Rose for the rest of the regular season. It won't be a popular decision, with fans clamoring to see Rose every chance they get, but it's the right decision. The Bulls look stronger this season, but they are still virtually the same team, making do at shooting guard while Rose weaves through multiple defenders. He is the only chance they have of reaching the NBA Finals. That's a fact.
There is the issue of heading into the playoffs with everybody playing well together, but let's be honest, chemistry is the Bulls' secret weapon against the Heat. They could play together blindfolded. Missing Rose for the final eight games isn't going to make much of a difference. Heck, they beat the Heat on March 14 with Rose out of the game. Backup John Lucas III went off for 24 points.
I see absolutely no reason to keep Rose out there. It's really not a difficult decision. The risk far outweighs the reward of solidifying the No. 1 seed. If it wasn't for Rose last year, the Bulls would have been swept by the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Four games and out.
The Bulls need to start looking forward and preparing Rose for the title run, and that means resting him for the final eight regular-season games.
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