An unfortunate but undeniably familiar headline tore across social media and google searches this week. Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls franchise player, has sustained another major knee injury and will require surgery. While the news had most fans shaking their heads and letting out a sigh, it should have the Chicago front office certain of one thing: Rose is no good to them in a suit.
Since being drafted in 2008, Rose has been an up-and-down player in the NBA. His first three seasons were stellar, capped off by an MVP season in 2011 that saw the Bulls come close to a Finals run, until they were bested by the Miami Heat. Since then, a flurry of injuries have kept Rose sidelined and the Bulls beyond arms reach of the NBA Finals. While players such as Jimmy Butler, D.J. Augustin, and Carlos Boozer have stepped up in his absence over the years, the team may need a new franchise point guard.
Many remember when Rose broke into the basketball scene as a young gun on a potent Memphis team. Playing alongside college stars like Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey, his team almost pushed past Kansas in the title game, but was beaten by a spectacular Mario Chalmers three-pointer in the final minute. The one-and-done point guard landed in Chicago after the Bulls landed the top spot, despite having roughly a two percent chance of getting it during the NBA lottery. While Rose was a coveted prize, imagine how different the NBA would be today if the Bulls had picked UCLA hoop-stars Russell Westbrook or Kevin Love? The what-ifs are often not worth getting into when it comes to sports, but they are interesting to think about. Rose rejuvenated a Bulls franchise that needed a spark, but since 2012, he has not been able to stay on the court.
Now, it seems strange that the team will be considering moving on, but it's a valid thought. While the answer may come in free agency with choices such as Jeremy Lin, C.J. Watson, and Patrick Beverley, the draft will also be a good choice. Hey, there is nothing wrong with Aaron Brooks, but he doesn't seem like a long term option at floor general. Lin is the best fit of the bunch, as he is a steady player who does well on defense. The Bulls can get better future options in the draft, but how many good years do players such as Pau Gasol and Kirk Hinrich have left? The best option to fit a win-now mentality would be to trade for Ty Lawson of the Nuggets.
It's no secret he wants out of Denver, and he is certainly still in his prime. He brings speed and court vision to compliment Gasol, Noah, and of course, the budding star that is Jimmy Butler. Rose will certainly be sought after by teams trying to improve via gamble, but also sell some tickets. Rose is an All-Star and very well-known player in the NBA. Teams looking for a high-risk, high-reward off-season move may look to Chicago. Rose is not a free agent, but the Bulls may look to part ways with him. It may relieve some pressure he has been feeling to bring a ring back to Chicago and, in some ways, follow in Michael Jordan's footsteps. A new opportunity will help the Bulls solidify a contender in the next three years, and could help Derrick Rose move to the next chapter in his career.