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Central Watch: Chicago Bulls Still Major Threat Despite Loss of Derrick Rose

By Evan Light

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Feb 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The basketball world was shook on Tuesday night when the Chicago Bulls announced that Derrick Rose will require surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. This is the same injury he suffered in November of last season that caused him to play in only 10 games and miss the rest of the season. The Bulls finished the season 48-34 without Rose. Over the past 3 seasons, Rose has played in only 95 games for Chicago, while missing 217.

Rose’s first injury came one season after his MVP year in 2010-11. He tore his ACL in his left knee during Game 1 of the first series of the 2012 Playoffs. This injury lasted through the next season, as Rose missed the entire 2012-2013 campaign. Without Rose, the Bulls still went 45-37 grabbing the 5-seed in the playoffs.

Nov 22, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) walks out of the Moda Center on crutches after being injured in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers won the game 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

The first meniscus tear in his right knee that occurred last season was mentioned. Along with the 48-34 record, Chicago grabbed the 4-seed. The first round didn’t go so well when they lost to the Wizards, 4 games to 1.

This season, Rose returned again. Up until this most recent injury, there were signs that his amazing athleticism and explosion would never fully return. There were games where it looked like Rose was coasting, not going 100%. On the other hand, there were games where that MVP performer was back. For example, the game against our Cavaliers before the All Star break. Rose torched the Cavs with 30 points on 50%, 7 assists and only 2 turnovers in 41 minutes. The Bulls destroyed the Cavs, 113-98.

Enough about Rose. As sad as it is, it wasn’t about if he would get injured again, but when. It’s another in a string of superstars suffering big injuries this season, joining Paul George, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Kevin Durant. It’s not good for the Bulls, and it’s not good for the league. And arguably, it’s not a good thing for the Cavs.

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The Bulls are a very dangerous team. With or without Rose, they are dangerous. They have reigning Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA 1st teamer Joakim Noah. They have a resurrected Pau Gasol who is averaging 18 points and 12 boards a game. Jimmy Butler is a lockdown defender who can drop 20 on any night. Taj Gibson is one of, if not the top big man off the bench in the league. Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich are capable backups, and Nikola Mirotic is another big with range. They play as a team, and they play hard. They have a top 3 coach in this league that demands 100% effort on both ends – specifically on defense.

Whether Derrick Rose returns for the playoffs or not, the Bulls will still be a scary matchup for the Cavaliers. In a seven game series, anything can happen. Defense wins championships, and Jimmy Butler is one of very few players that can stay in front of LeBron. Their frontcourt size was a major advantage over the Cavs at the beginning of the season. The acquisitions of Timofey Mozgov and Kendrick Perkins lessened that, but they have bigs that can cause trouble for our frontcourt.

No matter the path the Cavs take, it will never be an easy one to get to smell the roses.

Next: Paul George Returns To Practice For Pacers

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