Dennis Wierzbicki- USA TODAY Sports
As each day passes it seems that Derrick Rose comes closer and closer to returning to action with the Chicago Bulls. News broke this week that he was traveling with the team, that he was dunking the ball last week – which is all good news for Chicago’s brightest star. So with his return seemingly around the corner, what will Chicago do when he gets back?
First of all, he will be placed into his rightful starting position at point guard, thus alleviating Kirk Hinrich of his duties as the starter. So with Rose running the floor what happens to the grand rotation scheme? Well in theory it will look something like this: the first unit will be Rose, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. The Second unit will most likely then consist of Nate Robinson or Hinrich, Marco Belinelli, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and maybe Nazr Mohammed? The question mark is there because the second unit has several different variations. If Hinrich anchors the secondary unit, Robinson can rotate to shooting guard and Belinelli will hit the bench. If Belinelli doesn’t get his number called and is replaced by Daequan Cook then both Robinson and Belinelli are out of luck. But Cook and Butler are interchangeable as well as is Marquis Teague and Hinrich.
Through all these variations there is one thing that is certain: Chicago will not be without options. The starting lineup will be solid and will most likely not see any major variation,s but the secondary unit will be addressed as a puzzle with many pieces.
Rose will be the glue that holds all the pieces together, but he will also be the player that could lead another player to be let go. With so many players in the back court, it would not be surprising if one of them were let go. While the thought of any one of them leaving is tough to swallow, it may be a reality sooner than we think.
