Chicago Bulls: Eventually, Derrick Rose Must Change His Stance on Recruiting

Over at ESPNChicago, Nick Friedell wrote about how Derrick Rose has never been, and probably never will be, comfortable with recruiting other players.

While at present time this is very fitting for Rose’s modest demeanor, it is a principle on which he will eventually have to become flexible.

One of the most surprising things about the Chicago Bulls organization has to be how hard it has been for the team to land big free-agent names in the post-Jordan era.

Many analysts attribute it to superstars not wanting to play in the far-reaching shadow cast by His Airness. Others add that at present time, no veteran star player wants to play second fiddle to the young Derrick Rose.

Whatever the case may be, landing the marquee names has always been an issue for this great organization, as highlighted by last summer’s big free-agent freeze-out.

Rose feels that no player has that kind of influence, but he may be underestimating the power of the simple gesture of reaching out.

As far as superstars go, Rose’s attitude is the exception; this is a league where most main-attraction players have really big egos, and with those big egos come grandiose expectations.

After the fact, it was found out that Miami’s Big Three had frequently discussed playing together during their time together on the 2008 Olympic team.

I only speculate when I say this, but these private discussions—the acknowledgement that it would be great to be on the same team—must have had a really big impact on their decision to join together on the Heat.

Rose may be right as it stands now; he probably doesn’t have much impact on other star players. But imagine if he reached out to the great role players that Bulls needed to fill out their 2011 roster.

Imagine the impact Rose could’ve had calling up some of these young free-agent shooting guards. How might have the likes of Reggie Williams, Nick Young and Arron Afflalo reacted hearing Derrick Rose say that he would love see them in a Bulls uniform?

Even veteran guards like Jason Richardson or Jamal Crawford probably would’ve appreciated a younger star reaching out to them.

Fast forward three years down the line. Rose will be a veteran, an All-Star, and probably two-time MVP player. He will likely still be the same humble player he is now.

It would be hard to believe that another NBA superstar would take lightly a reaching-out gesture from Rose.

Rose is the kind of player who always likes to do what’s best for the team. And while Chicago management may understand that he is currently uncomfortable playing a role in recruiting, I’m sure they are also stressing the importance that it could play some years down the line.

Rose knows what it takes to be successful and productive on the court. He also needs to accept the fact that there is a business side to on-court success. He is the face of the Bulls organization, which makes him an integral part of the business.

The sooner he embraces that, the sooner he can start helping his team in every aspect.