Chicago Bulls Rumors: NBA Free Agents Derrick Rose Should Actively Recruit

Last year Derrick Rose didn't do much to recruit LeBron James to come play for the Chicago Bulls. It's not in his personality to do so. His humility keeps him from presuming too much of himself, whether it's that he would have an effect or that it's his role to invite teammates to come play with them.

This year is a different matter, though. This year he's the leagues MVP. He's the leader of the team. He's not stepping beyond himself; he's stepping into his role as the leader of the team to participate in recruiting players. 

Now I don't mean he needs to start telling the front office who to sign. That's the good part of this not being his personality; he doesn't need to be telling the Bulls who to sign. What would be good though is if once the lockout is officially over, and he can talk to management again, he finds out who they want to sign. 

When he hears someone like Caron Butler wants to come play with the Bulls because of him, and that same player is staying in Chicago, it sure wouldn't hurt for Rose to invite him out for lunch. 

Part of being a leader is growing into it. I've never bought the concept of "born leader." Sure, there are certain characteristics a person has which lend themselves to leadership, but a large part of leadership is wisdom and that comes through growth. 

Rose doesn't need to be "phony" here, nor does he need to be disloyal to Keith Bogans. To do what is best for the team is to do what is best for the team. What's in the best interest of the team here is for Rose to wear the role he has, which is the face and personality of the franchise. 

It's going to be a tough thing for him to do at such a young age and with his shy disposition. But he could tell a player like Butler, "Look man, we're a great team without you, but we're a championship team with you. You can go to the Clippers and make more money, or you can play by my side and win a ring. When this season is all done, which would you rather have: a bigger bank account or a ring on your finger? Together, Caron, we can win a championship." 

It's one thing for Butler to think it would be great to play with Rose; it's another for him to know Rose would think it's great to play with him. This doesn't have to be something for the press, or some sort of mutiny where he tells Gar Forman who to sign, but it sure can be something he does in conjunction with the front office. 

Sometimes being a leader means doing something that feels awkward, something that goes against your disposition. For Rose, this is one of those things. Hopefully he can step and take a more active role in recruiting players this year.