I recently wrote a column on how the return on Derrick Rose will propel the Chicago Bulls right back to second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat. However, after reading a recent article by ESPNChicago.com, I realized that Bulls fans (myself included) may be putting too much pressure on the 24-year old.
In ESPN Chicago’s interview with Kirk HInrich about the return of his superstar teammate Hinrich refers to Rose and his return to the court three different times:
“…the anticipation of Derrick coming back…”
“We’re getting Derrick back and it’s going to be great.”
“…we’re excited to have him back…”
Isn’t this what every Bulls fan is doing? Remembering the good old days from the fall of 2010 to the spring of 2012 and thinking, “We’re going right back to the top with D-Rose back at point guard.”
However, if us Bulls fans stop to logically think about the situation we must realize—we are putting all our faith in a guy who hasn’t played in an NBA game in more than 13 months. Also, we don’t just expect him to get us back to the playoffs. We don’t just expect him to get us out of the first round. We expect Derrick Rose to hop onto an NBA court, pick up a basketball and resume making plays like this:
Or this:
Don’t get me wrong, if there’s anyone who would have put in the necessary work—and have the confidence—to return stronger after a knee injury, its Derrick Rose. However, us Bulls fans must temper our expectations, expect a few early bumps in the road and patiently wait for our point guard to get his legs under him as he works to return to MVP form.
