Derrick Rose Injury: 6 Chicago Bulls Who Need to Step Up for Rest of Playoffs

In case you haven't heard, reigning MVP Derrick Rose has seen a continuation of his injury woes. This time around, however, his torn ACL put the nail in the coffin.

Derrick Rose is out for the 76ers for the remainder of the postseason (via the Chicago-Sun Times).

For Bulls fans afraid of their season being in shambles, fear not. This is a team built for success in the absence of one, even if that one happens to be their best individual performer. Through the use of consistent defense and excellent coaching—two constants in the Bulls' system—they may be able to pull it off.

In order to make that happen, here's who need to step up.

Carlos Boozer, Power Forward

This is why he was brought here. This is why the Chicago Bulls are giving him $13.5 million in 2012. This is why he was viewed as the player who would help lead the Bulls to the promise land.

Time to step up.

Carlos Boozer has been playing his best all-around basketball over the past month of the season. It is perfect timing as D-Rose has struggled with injuries. Now that the reigning MVP is officially done for the remainder of the 2012 postseason, Boozer must show that he can go from solid to elite with a title on the line. 

Season Averages: 19.79 PER—15.0 PPG—8.5 RPG—1.0 SPG

C.J. Watson, Point Guard

Here we go again.

C.J. Watson is all too familiar with this by now, as the weight of the Chicago Bulls' season rests firmly on his shoulders upon yet another Derrick Rose injury. Fortunately for the Bulls, Watson has already started 25 games in 2012 and thrived in the position.

For the Chicago Bulls to advance against the 76ers and beyond, Watson must duplicate his success from April. The reason I say this is because of Watson's five games with at least 7 assists.

Should he continue to thrive in the role of facilitator, the Bulls may just have a chance to pull this off. 

Season Averages: 23.7 MPG—13.31 PER—9.7 PPG—4.1 APG—0.9 SPG

John Lucas III, Point Guard

At times, John Lucas III has looked like an elite NBA point guard. His 25 points in the season finale against the Cavaliers was an example.

The key to Lucas III's potential performance in the postseason is that he's had his greatest success against quality opponents. His 24-point out against the Heat and 20-point outing versus the Magic are two examples of these performances.

Against Philadelphia and beyond, the Bulls need Lucas' scoring spark. As long as his average stays somewhere around 10 per game, the Bulls will be in prime position to pull this off. 

Season Averages: 16.41 PER—7.5 PPG—2.2 APG—1.6 RPG

Joakim Noah, Center

This is where it all starts.

Joakim Noah is the heart and emotion of the Chicago Bulls, and when he's thriving, the Bulls are thriving with him. This is exactly why the two-time national champion needs to maintain his brilliant level of play.

For those feeling today's Game 1 performance was a fluke, think again. Over the past five games, Noah is averaging 12.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He also has four double-doubles.

Should Noah continue to offer his double-digit scoring and rebounding, the Chicago Bulls will be very difficult to defeat. More important than statistics, however, is energy—something Noah never seems to lack. 

Season Averages: 19.59 PER - 10.2 PPG - 9.8 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.4 BPG

Luol Deng, Small Forward

Upon losing Derrick Rose for the remainder of the season, Luol Deng has become the Chicago Bulls' best individual player. Due to this fact, the 2012 All-Star will need to show the world why he deserves that honor.

His defense will go unquestioned, as evidenced by the fact that he held Andre Iguodala to 3-of-11 shooting and just 11 points in Game 1. Should Deng and the Bulls manage to move on, however, he can't expect a day off.

There is a good chance that the Bulls play both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat en route to the NBA Finals. That means Deng will have to remain steady against both Paul Pierce and LeBron James.

If he can make it past Andre Iguodala. 

Season Averages: 14.13 PER—15.3 PPG—6.5 RPG—2.3 APG—1.0 SPG

Richard Hamilton, Shooting Guard

The Chicago Bulls brought Richard Hamilton to be their No. 2 scorer. With Derrick Rose now out and injured, Hamilton may have to step up as the number one option.

For skeptical Bulls fans, fear not. Richard Hamilton has been here before, as he helped lead the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA championship. While he has a few more years on him now, he's still one of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA. That was on full display as he torched the 76ers for 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting in Game 1.

While you cannot expect Hamilton to shoot as efficiently throughout the postseason, he is more than capable of scoring that way on a consistent basis. His career postseason average of 20.6 points per game is proof. 

Season Averages: 13.27 PER—11.6 PPG—3.0 APG—2.4 RPG—37% 3PT