The Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose hasn't had much to be happy about in the past few years. Being healthy and uninjured are one of the only bright spots. The Bulls lost Rose to injuries the past few seasons, following his turn as MVP. With a revamped lineup this year, the team was as hungry as ever for the right to play for a championship. The only issue was LeBron James and his Cavaliers were standing in the way.
The health of Rose had been a major concern for the Bulls, even when the team made strides without his presence. With the addition of former Laker Pau Gasol, the Bulls thought they found the missing piece to a championship run, especially if Rose would come back healthy. Rose ended up being healthy, but the outcome wasn't what they expected. Rose expressed his optimism after this tough season to the Chicago Sun Times:
"Walking off the floor is a positive. Of course I want to win every game, but it's different, it's the NBA. I'm happy with how my body responded, how I came back. I'm happy with everything I learned this year, everything I went through individually, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I'm at peace with myself. It gives me a chance to really go into the summer with a game plan."
Even with the optimism he has displayed, he still understands that it is going to take more than health and peace to make it past LeBron. He confided to USA Today about what it will take:
"I wouldn't say my best, but I played very well sometimes. It's all about being consistent. I didn't perform the way I wanted to perform (in general), but my body felt good, so it's all about just going back in the lab this summer."
Hopefully the lab can bring back that MVP form.
Do you think the Bulls are a legitimate contender will a healthy Rose next year? Do you think Rose is ready to become an MVP again? Tell us what you think.
