NBA Rumors: How Bulls Must Deal with Derrick Rose's Potentially Long Inactivity
The news on Derrick Rose's surgically repaired knee isn't great, but it also isn't the end of the world, so the Bulls must proceed as if he's never coming back. I know that sounds harsh—believe me, as a fan of the NBA, moreover a fan of the Bulls and Rose, it hurts to write such a thing.
I believe he will be back, and he'll still play at a high level when he returns. I wish I could say he'll be the same phenomenal athlete that he was before the injury, but we'll have to wait and see on that one.
That uncertainty is half of the reason why the Bulls must take this harsh approach. Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times quotes the Chicago Bulls' team physician, Brian Cole, as follows:
"It could take eight to twelve months, Sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. It could take him more than a year to be back to pre-surgery level of performance.
He could miss entire season.
"
Because of this, the Bulls need a point guard, or at least a player that can create offense for himself and his teammates. As a matter of fact, an entirely new backcourt would be ideal.
C.J. Watson proved in the event that Rose does have to miss an entire season, he can't be trusted to guide a team in the postseason. The SG position still needs improvement as well.
Rip Hamilton showed more aggression towards the end of the season and in the playoffs, but he also showed a lack of durability. Hamilton will be 35 years old by the beginning of next season and did nothing to convince the Bulls to go into next season with him as the starting SG.
That point is even more clear if you consider he wouldn't have a healthy Derrick Rose to create shots for him.
Addressing this should be one part of the Bulls' three main initiatives this offseason:
1. Trade or Amnesty Carlos Boozer
Boozer's time with the team has been up and down. I'm not one to bash him completely, but this was never a good fit. He is a solid performer, but he isn't a max player, and because he received that contract, that is what is expected of him.
If it's possible to move Boozer for a favorable deal, then that is an option, but I fear that is unrealistic. I'd do an Amar'e Stoudemire-for-Boozer deal in a heartbeat. Neither contract is thrilling, but if I had to choose, I'd rather be stuck with Stoudemire's deal.
If they can't trade him, then the Bulls must use the amnesty clause to free up cap room. This is likely the most favorable option for the franchise, as a trade would just bring back another player with issues.
Doing this gives the PF spot to Taj Gibson; he's earned it.
2. Target a Top-Notch Veteran PG in Free Agency
Yes, the Bulls need a starting-caliber PG now. Even if Rose comes back during the upcoming season, the depth doesn't hurt. Rose will need time to work himself into shape, and in the meantime, the Bulls need someone capable of running an offense.
Watson and John Lucas III have proved they are not the answer.
Offering free agent-to-be Steve Nash a two-year contract would be genius in my opinion. He still has some life in him, but he doesn't create a long-term conflict upon Rose's return. It's an instant improvement on offense, and it even allows Rose to play with Nash for stretches.
The Bulls would certainly have competition if they chose to pursue Nash, but it would be worth a try.
3. Draft a Shooting Guard
I like Jimmy Butler a lot, but he's not the type of SG the Bulls need. The Bulls need a player that can create his own shot, get to the basket, finish or go to the free-throw line. If Doron Lamb of Kentucky isn't available at the bottom of the first round, the Bulls should strongly consider moving up to get him.
He's an excellent shooter from distance (47 percent at Kentucky) and over 80 percent from the line. He isn't a freakish athlete, but he isn't Kyle Korver either.
Plus, when Rose does return, he fits in nicely with him as a scoring option.
If the Bulls approach the offseason this way, they can make this Rose-less period much easier. In the end, when Rose returns, the team could be better than they were when he went down.
Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports Video Games
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
