Déjà vu? Think not.

The Chicago Bulls have announced that Derrick Rose has suffered a medial meniscus tear in his right knee that will require surgery. A timetable will be determined after the surgery is successful.

“Derrick Rose reported today with right knee pain. Exam and subsequent MRI confirmed medial meniscus tear of the right knee,” the team said in a statement Tuesday night.

This will be Derrick Rose’s third knee surgery over the past three years, leaving the Bulls without his services in the playoffs for a third straight time. In his absence, Aaron Brooks, Kirk Hinrich, and Tony Snell should see an increase in minutes.

This is unbelievable and comes at a very bad time. The Chicago Bulls were finally rolling, having found some rhythm. They currently sit third in the East with a 36-21 record.

With the addition of Pau Gasol this past summer, the Bulls were poised to make a championship run. But how far can they go now? Derrick Rose’s health has always been the determining factor for this team, and without him, it would be tough for the Bulls to win the East, despite Gasol’s presence and Jimmy Butler’s vast improvements.

Rose has averaged 18.4 points, 5.0 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.7 steals on 40.7 percent shooting in 46 games this season. He was obviously not playing at an MVP level, but his ability to get to the rim and create offense for himself is crucial for the Bulls, especially during important games.

This is the same exact injury Derrick Rose suffered in 2013 when he missed the entire season. Therefore, after surgery, he is more than likely going to be sidelined for the rest of the season, unfortunately.

What does this mean for Derrick Rose’s career? The youngest player to ever win the MVP has been through plenty of misery with these knee injuries. Can he come back once again? It is extremely tough to come back after numerous knee injuries and play at a high level. There is no question Rose will be back, but he will certainly lose a step once again.

It is sad to see Derrick Rose’s career dwindle the way it has. 

Get well soon, Derrick.