Derrick Rose Returns

By Gabriella Garcia
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Updated: April 10, 2015

Derrick Rose returned to the Chicago Bulls on April 8^th for their game against the Orlando Magic after a 20 game absence. 19:24 was Rose’s playing time, which we knew would be limited. He sat out the whole fourth quarter as the Bulls kept him on a 20-minute limit. Rose had nine points, two assists and four turnovers and missed 5 of 6 3-pointers. They fell to the Magic 105-103.

“Very hard, very hard, but it’s all about patience. I know that I’m going to have my time. Right now, while I’m not playing, I’m trying to learn a little bit more, see what’s open and seeing how they’re playing everybody. The only thing I can do is sit back, watch, and learn.” — Rose on sitting out the fourth. The team was happy to have him back, but this isn’t the first time they’ve had to play without him. The Bulls know how to play without Derrick Rose and they’ve done well with that hurdle. Not to say that they’re better without him because they’re definitely better with him. With Rose on the floor, they’re posting a net rating of plus-4.0 points per 100 possessions against a plus 2.3 without him. The Bulls were 10-10 during Derrick’s latest absence and in a tight struggle to hang onto the Number 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Derrick Rose’s return is very much needed from now on, but will it be enough? The Bulls’ problem is that they’re rarely whole and healthy. They’ve been without Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler, and Kirk Hinrich for various stretches during this season. All Derrick Rose can control now is getting back into the groove with his team and getting his own groove back. Rose was the missing factor and there are only a couple more games until the playoffs. We know the Chicago Bulls are better with Derrick Rose in their starting lineup, healthy, but will he be able to live up to his MVP days and give his team a chance in the finals? I think it’s too late for this Chicago team, but I’m always hoping for the best. Only time will tell.