On Tuesday afternoon, with just over three hours until tip-off against the Central Division rival Pacers, Derrick Rose shot jumpers in the United Center.
There weren't 21,000-plus fans packed in the arena cheering him on, just an empty gym and a basketball. To those who play, there isn’t anything more serene.
Of course, this isn't the first time the Bulls superstar has done such a thing, but it's the first time since video surfaced of him running sprints at the Berto Center. It’s one thing to see him getting up jump shots, quite another to know that there’s some running – and cutting – being done as well.
All of this has fueled speculation that D. Rose isn’t too far out from practicing with the team again and that his hopeful return to the basketball court won’t be far behind.
Rose obviously is eager to get back on the court, and fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their MVP, instead of watching all six “The Return” videos back-to-back. But with the team’s inconsistent play and injuries to key starters, would it be worth him coming back?
There are some who feel D. Rose should play if he is physically able. Then there are those who will argue that given the makeup of the team (four players with one-year deals), their inconsistent play early in the season and the fact they have no shot at winning a title this year, Derrick should just sit this one out.
No matter which side you’re on, you’re both right. Each viewpoint has merit and it’s one of those situations where it’s understandable to be split down the middle, or even on the fence.
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But if we know anything, it’s that when it comes to Derrick, he just wants to play again. Period.
It isn’t about winning championships with him, at least not now. It’s about running up-and-down the court in a real game. It’s about making those signature cuts and changes of direction without thinking or hesitation. It’s about driving the lane and taking that first hit, going down hard – but then getting back up, shaking yourself off and knowing you’re OK.
In his mind, that’s where D. Rose is right now, because when you've been away from something for so long, you always miss the little things, right?
It’s been seven months and counting since D. Rose played his last game, and who knows when he’ll be back. But if what we’ve seen lately is any indication, the answer to that last question may be “soon.”
