Derrick Rose remains the Bulls most valuable player, or at least the way management continues to defend in that way.
In the wake of pronouncing himself “90 percent mentally” ready to compete and having been cleared by doctors weeks ago, criticism is mounting that Rose, who’s yet to play this season after tearing his ACL in the opening game of last year’s playoff, should suit up and give his banged up teammates whatever help he’s able to provide.
“Derrick owes it to what's right," coach Tom Thibodeau told ESPN of his 24-year-old star guard "And the more I'm around him, the more I'm impressed with this guy's character. "He's not being swayed by anybody. He's not quite there, and we made that clear to him from the beginning. We're going to support him in every way possible. I would never question him. Ever."
Despite the rather harsh assessement of former Bull and current TNT analyst Steve Kerr this week that “Derrick owes it to his teammates,” all the team’s players likewise continue to publicly back their franchise player.
“We know what kind of guy he is, and we know what kind of teammate he is,” said teammate captain Kirk Hinrich. “Yeah, no question, I haven't heard one ill word said about it. You give a guy that has that type of character the benefit of the doubt."
Thidodeau even goes as far as to shoot down any comparisons to Rose’s injuries and others, such as Hinrich (bruised calf) and center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) , who have returned early from injuries and are still playing hurt.
“There's a big difference between the type of injury he's had and all these other injuries," said Thibodeau. "And we certainly appreciate what all the other guys are doing, but Derrick has had a very serious injury. It requires time… when he’s completely comfortable, that's when we want him out there.”
Game 6 of the Bulls opening round series against Brooklyn is Thursday at the United Center.
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