While branding it a "tragedy," Miami Heat president Pat Riley predicts injured Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose will return to the game stronger than ever.
Rose is again out for the year after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee just 10 games into the season. The former 2011 league MVP missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his other knee.
"This is something that is difficult for anybody to watch who respects hard work and talent and character," Riley told ESPN. "He's a high-character kid. From that standpoint, I think he's going to overcome this thing."I think Derrick will overcome this."
Riley speaks from experience. While coach of the L.A. Lakers, he watched James Worthy break his kneecap of the last day of his rookie season in 1983. Worthy struggled for two seasons before putting a slew of injuries behind him and earning the nickname "Big Game James."
Worthy also went on to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame and be named one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time.
"Prior to this last injury, you could see he had pretty much come all the way back," Riley told ESPN of Rose. "He was quick. He was explosive. His timing and shooting wasn't there yet. But, to me, this is a temporary setback. And I think he'll be as good as ever."
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