Derrick Rose and Chicago Bulls Benefitting From Easy Schedule
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
As if it has become a normal habit, Derrick Rose is once again injured and has missed three of the first six games this NBAseason. With two sprained ankles, the Chicago Bulls had no option other than to sit Rose. The point guard has missed the last two seasons due to serious knee injuries and both sides are taking severe precautions.
There has been talk that the Bulls would take a similar approach to Rose as the Miami Heat did with Dwyane Wade last season. The Heat used a preventive maintenance plan on Wade and his ailing knees, but the star guard vanished in the playoffs. Wade missed over a third of the season and the absences played a devious role in team chemistry.
Whether or not Rose could benefit from a maintenance protocol is up for debate. Consistent absences will hurt chemistry and Rose does not have much game time under his belt over the last two or so years. Let’s stop there because that is a whole different discussion. The good news is the Bulls have faced an easy schedule thus far.
Chicago just downed the Philadelphia 76ers, 118-115, to improve to 5-1. All six of the Bulls’ games have been played against sub-.500 teams, excluding the Minnesota Timberwolveswith a record of 2-2. All things considered, the 5-1 record no longer looks as impressive, but more importantly, the team is winning without Rose.
At this point, Rose is no longer a guarantee and his health cannot be trusted. If Rose can stay on the court, Chicago will be a very impressive team. If he goes down for another season, the Bulls have proven they can win without him, to a certain degree. For right now, everyone in the franchise should be happy Rose is not facing any serious injuries and the schedule has been so gracious to them.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
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