A Derrick Rose Reunion May Happen |
A Derrick Rose reunion May not Be out of the Question
By Dustin Riese Ever since Michael Jordan retired, the Chicago Bulls have been looking for a new franchise's face. They appeared to have that 10 years ago with rising star and hometown kid Derrick Rose. After winning an MVP award in 2011 and leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Final, serious knee injuries hindered his game, and the Bulls and Rose parted ways a few seasons after. After bouncing around from team to team the past three seasons, Rose is healthy, feeling good, and ready to contribute to any team the best he can. Could that team be the Bulls as a Rose to Chicago reunion isn't out of the question? It has long been documented on the Bulls need for a true point guard on this roster. They have some options in Kris Dunn, Coby White, and Tomas Satoransky, but none of them are true PG's apart from Dunn. Drafting one appears to be a logical option at this point, but with Billy Donovan coming over, could the Bulls be looking for a veteran floor leader over a youthful star. Chris Paul continues to be in the mix, especially when you look at the relationship he had with Donovan last season. Given the age of Paul and the contract, I don't see that becoming a reality, but someone like Rose, now that is more doable. Over the last couple of years, the question has been brought up numerous times if Rose would not only want to play for the Bulls but if the Bulls would be open to a reunion. Every time Rose gets a chance to comment on that, he always leaves the door wide open, showing he would be willing to do that if money works. Rose changed the face of the Bulls franchise about a decade ago and helped bring them back relevance again. The way he played the point guard position was rare, and he was viewed as a once in a generation style guard at that time. Obviously, the game has changed a lot, and Rose isn't that player anymore, but he does bring value to a young Bulls roster. Rose is the type of point guard who could either start or come off the bench at this stage in his career. He isn't going to average 20 points anymore, but still very easily could average somewhere along the lines of 13-15, which is excellent production. Rose will be 32 years old soon, and he has been around for over a decade. Given the history of his knees, he doesn't have much left. This is the point of his career where he isn't asking to start. He just wants a chance to play and, most importantly, win. Although winning may not be in the cards this season in Chicago, given what the front office views for this franchise's direction, winning will come. The question is how soon, and would Rose be willing to sacrifice winning this season or next season if it meant winning in Chicago once again. The Bulls are his hometown team. He was drafted by them and saw firsthand what the city is like when the Bulls are winning. The team embraced him, the fans embraced him, and he was royalty for five years in Chicago. He was the biggest Bull since Jordan, and it isn't even close. I know many fans were upset with Rose and the Bulls and how things happened during his exit. However, there wasn't anything the Bulls could have done differently. He was injured, the team was in rebuilding and retooling mode they needed to get rid of the high contracts which Rose had at that time. No one will ever forget what he did for this city during his time and the excitement he brought to the United Center once again. I think a reunion will happen sooner rather than later, and now could be the time. If Rose had never gotten hurt, this would be completely different because I truly believe he would have played his entire career with Chicago. Now that he experienced life outside the Bulls organization, Rose is nearing the end of what his body can do. Finishing and retiring with your hometown team would be a perfect storybook ending for Rose. Hopefully, the two sides can come to an agreement, and Rose can return home where it all started. Maybe this time he can finish what he started. Click here if video does not load https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4B72F8EaNk
