It’s almost here. The NBA playoffs are closing in. As we sit back and enjoy the final days of Carmelo Anthony’s brilliance, debate on whether the Heat will get a repeat, all while wondering if the Lakers will even make the finals, one question dominates the rest.
Where is Derrick Rose?
We know all about the season ending ACL injury that he incurred 11 months ago, we are well aware he has been ruled clear to play by his team doctor, and we’ve heard him preach “only god knows” when he will return.
But after watching him dunk Tuesday off his left foot in warm-ups you really now have to bypass all the “Kevin Ware will return before Rose” jokes and seriously ask what’s going on in Rose’s camp let alone his head.
24-year old Rose is physically ready to play. The Bulls are heading into the playoffs. Superstar point guard anyone?
Rose this week disputed the theory he’s waiting until next season to play. It’s just anyones guess as to when that will be.
What comes to my mind other than the queen of head noise, Samantha Stosur, is Australian pole vaulter and gold medallist Steve Hooker.
Hooker admitted to battling mental demons last year, saying he had lost his confidence to jump, fearing injury and no longer believing in his ability.
A battle, which could be blamed for his not so lustrous performance at the 2012 Olympics, played on his mind for six months.
“Having that doubt about my body was like a demon in my head and it complicated my thoughts when it came to jumping, which is a disaster for a pole vaulter,” Hooker said.
Is that we are dealing with then Derrick? Fear? Self doubt?
Rose hasn’t ruled out a return, and Chicago is open to him missing the regular season and making an appearance in the playoffs.
As another day passes this seems unlikely, but the scenario would help Rose clear the mental hurdle which seems to be blocking him from crossing the line.
The interest in Rose’s return is so highly anticipated. Adidas knew what they ere doing when they signed him on a $260 million contract.
The exposure and the whopping marketing opportunity lies waiting.
Regardless, this whole injury has become tiresome, for the fans and the media. Same can be said for the care factor too… it’s getting old man.
The public perception has started to turn, the online jokes are overdone and we are all asking the same thing; why isn’t Rose back with the Bulls?
Come on Derrick. So what if you go out there and get smashed? Get up and do it again.
Resilience is a beauty of a character trait to possess. It can only get better.
And so we wait. Whether Rose returns this season or not, his perfect infallible image has sadly been tarnished.
Yes D-Rose is human. We just would prefer to think otherwise.
On a side note, I fly out to Miami today for, you guessed it – NBA. Among the frothing fixtures, the Heat play Bulls Monday AEDT and I hold my breath that Rose will take his talent to South Beach.
Wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted.
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