With Derrick Rose Hurt, Should Chicago Bulls Tank 2012-13 Season?

Even though Derrick Rose won't return to the court until March, Chicago should not give up on the season intentionally. The Bulls have enough key players to help them win games, as long as Joakim Noah stays healthy, and Rose can come back and lead his team into the postseason.

A lot of people won't agree with me, though. One ESPN SportsNation contributor said the following:

"I bet the bulls tank next season to get a better draft pick and come out guns blazing in 2 years. I don't like it, but that's what I would do if I was the GM."

Originally, Chicago's outlook appeared more discouraging than it does now. Rose was out indefinitely, Luol Deng would most likely miss the first few months of the season after undergoing wrist surgery and Noah's ankle was not looking like it would be ready to start the season.

Considering the above three factors, one can see why Bulls fans might want their team to tank the season and focus instead on high draft picks and rebuilding. However, now note the following.

Noah has recently stated (via ESPN) that he feels good about the upcoming year. Although his ankle is not yet 100 percent, the 27-year-old forewent the Olympics in order to be prepared for the start of the NBA season. Fans can expect to see Noah putting up solid point totals and pulling down boards night after night.

Deng's doctors say he is able to avoid surgery on his wrist, and he plans on playing the entirety of the season with Chicago. Retaining Deng is a major asset to the Bulls, as the veteran is a fan favorite and adds stability to the roster.

Playing without Rose is certainly a downer for Chicago, but the All-Star point guard should be ready just in time to finish out the season and aggravate Miami in the playoffs.

The Bulls have enough pieces to stay competitive during Rose's recovery period, and it would be a waste to throw away this season. Expect Thibodeau and his squad to come out ready to embrace the underdog role and pursue the postseason.