Derrick Rose Injury: Twitter Erupts as Bulls Star Is Knocked out of Playoffs
An injury plagued season for reigning MVP Derrick Rose took a disastrous turn for the worst in the Chicago Bulls' opening game of their first-round playoff series.
With just over a minute to go in the game, Rose tried to jump off his left foot while in the lane. It did not work out well. The result was a torn ACL.
It was apparent right away that the injury was likely to be serious, and speculation about the extent began immediately. The Bulls ended that speculation with this tweet.
"Rose Injury Update: Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and he's out for the remainder of the season.
— Chicago Bulls PR (@ChicagoBulls_PR) April 28, 2012"
As you can imagine, the twitterverse had a lot to say about these developments.
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo ran into Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf at the baseball game. And he relayed this message.
"Spoke to a dejected Jerry Reinsdorf at ChiSox game. Saddened by Derrick Rose torn ACL. Asked if he watched replay, "Saw it too many times."
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) April 28, 2012"
The fact the Reinsdorf wasn't too sick to his stomach to stay out of sight is impressive, but it certainly doesn't sound like it is sitting well.
InsideHoops knows that while it is the Bulls and their fans who will be feeling the brunt of this injury, it is not their burden alone. All basketball fans are now robbed of the chance to watch one of the game's best strut his stuff on the biggest stage.
"The Derrick Rose ACL injury doesn't just hurt the Bulls, it hurts the #NBA in general. Hope he fully recovers
— InsideHoops.com (@InsideHoops) April 28, 2012"
The grim reality is that this didn't just take Rose out of the playoffs, but likely for a big chunk of next season as well. And that above-mentioned full recovery is not a guarantee. BBALLBREAKDOWN raises a legitimate question with this tweet.
"With the way Derrick Rose plays, the biggest concern isn't about him not playing this year, it's whether he'll recover at all.
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballSource) April 28, 2012"
The cutting and slashing style of the speedy and quick Rose could be in serious jeopardy. Let's hope not.
In an act of unintended cruelty, SportsCenter let fly a tweet that will instill a doomed hope in Bulls fans.
"Bulls are 18-9 without Derrick Rose this season
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 28, 2012"
While there is no denying the fact that the Bulls played remarkably well without the defending MVP, there is also no denying the fact that they are not going to be able to survive a seven-game series against the NBA's elite without him.
The injury-plagued Rose was left in this game despite the fact that his team was up 12 with 1:30 left to play. This fact has not escaped the notice of fans and tweeters, and let's just say some do not agree with Thibodeau's decision.
"Thibodeau is an idiot.
— KingsAllDay (@emelinebrooo) April 28, 2012"
Others are even ready for this decision to cost Thibodeau's job.
"Tom Thibodeau should b fired D rose tore his ACL wit 1 minute left up by 12 y is he on the court bad coaching that's there franchise
— RichBill (@RichBill1) April 28, 2012"
If Thibodeau hadn't done such an amazing job with the Bulls, this would have been a much more likely outcome. However, you have to believe Thibs' job is safe, but he may want to review his policy of playing his stars with late leads.
The NFL network's Albert Breer pointed out an inescapable residual effect of this injury. There is now even more pressure on King James.
"If LeBron can't make it happen now ... RT @mikecwright: RT @ESPNChiBulls: Derrick Rose has a torn ACL according to the Bulls.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 28, 2012"
