Derrick Rose Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Knee and Return
The Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose sat out Saturday's 95-87 win over Milwaukee with a sore knee, but he will play on Monday night at home against Orlando.
Continue for updates.
Rose to Play vs. Magic
Monday, Jan. 12
Derrick Rose confirmed that he will play on Monday night vs. Orlando, via Nick Friedell of ESPN:
Rose out vs. Bucks With Sore Knee
Saturday, Jan. 10
The Chicago Bulls have been very smart in their handling of All-Star point guard Derrick Rose this season, but that still hasn't prevented the former MVP from getting dinged up.
The Bulls announced he will be out against the Bucks with a sore knee:
Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provides comments from Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau:
Rose's injury history has gotten so long that George R.R. Martin could have written it. From 2011 through the end of last year, he only played in 49 games due to knee injuries. The Bulls have been able to get by without their best player, though it's obvious the difference he brings when healthy.
Last year, Chicago's offense was the worst in basketball with 93.7 points per game. Its defense was the best in the league, allowing 91.8 points per game, so the Bulls still made the playoffs before being trounced by Washington in the first round.
So far this year, Rose has been instrumental in moving the Bulls' scoring average over 100 points per game. He's still getting his legs back after so much missed time, but it's hard to argue with a point guard who gives you nearly 17 points and five assists per night.
You can see the progress coming, as this stat from ESPN's John Buccigross from a December 12 game against Portland illustrates:
The Bulls have more scoring options now than in the past. Jimmy Butler is a budding star, while Pau Gasol has given Thibodeau exactly what they expected, but this team will go as far as Rose is able to take it. His injuries are going to be monitored and scrutinized more than any other player because of his history.
For Chicago, hopefully there are no long-term effects that might derail the Bulls' entire season once again. They have proven to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and a legitimate NBA Finals contender.
