While Chicago has put itself in an admirable position so far this season without Rose in the mix, it’s still fair to question the franchise’s long-term ability to build a viable championship contender.What the Bulls have done this season has been commendable and there’s no reason to believe they’ll be anything less than a very tough out in an underwhelming Eastern Conference if and when Rose returns. But ask yourself this: are the Chicago Bulls winning a title as presently constructed? You’re lying to yourself if you answer in the affirmative.The optimists reason that because the team is already hovering around the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff field, this is a legit title contender once Rose is back.”
And through it all, Chicago fights off a general sense of uneasiness, something that starts to resemble a mild anxiety attack with every lightly-sourced update on the health of Chicago’s pride and joy. Rose tore the ACL in his left knee during the first game of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 28. He had surgery on May 12 and was expected to be out eight to 12 months.With the recent injury to Robert Griffen III there is more attention being placed on making sure the Bulls bring Rose back gradually.The 24-year-old point guard started cutting again on his surgically repaired left knee a few weeks ago and was sprinting in bursts after practice on Monday afternoon, and has added short sprints to the list of things he’s accomplished in rehab on his road back to the floor.
“When the time comes I just have to be ready and prove to the people here that I am ready to play. Who knows when that time is? If it’s all year I might wait the whole year, so what? If I come back at the All-Star (break), so what? “If anything, I think I’ve learned it’s going to help me with my patience. I think I’m way more patient.” Said Rose. There is no question that throughout this whole process Rose has shown extreme patience and determination. Clearly he has a love of the game and a love for Chicago and its fans that is driving him towards a great comeback. However I think the Bulls will proceed with extreme caution in light of the recent tragedy that fell upon the Washington Redskins and their superstar QB Robert Griffin III.
Honestly I would not look to see Rose back on the floor this season despite Roses’s optimism. It’s just to risky and the downside by far and away out weighs the upside as it pertains to this seasons success. Take it slow and be ready for next year and the years to come. As far as the Bulls chances on winning a title this year are concerned, I think that is unrealistic to consider,but it is uplifting to see the heart that is being shown night in and night out on the floor. Chicago fans are in for a competitive season I think to say the least.
Bulls Show 27: The Heat Check
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