Most people thought that Derrick Rose would at least average 30 minutes every time he played. We all knew that he would take a couple of games off. It’s understandable. But the fact that he’s more on the bench than on the court. It causes suspicions. Has he got a niggling injury? If so, is he scared of another season ender? We don’t really know. But I know someone who might. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau.
In a piece by Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Tom Thibodeau is getting a little tired of Rose being on the bench.
Asked whether Rose looked fatigued in the second half of Monday’s game, something the 26-year-old discussed before Monday’s shootaround in regard to his muscle recovery after missing more than a week, Thibodeau chafed.
“Oh, I don’t know. Jesus. He’s got to get out there and play,” Thibodeau said. “I thought he did a lot of good things. You could see he’s not real comfortable with the ball yet, but that will come. When Derrick strings some games together, he’s going to take off. He’s got to go. That’s the bottom line. He’s got to go.”
“It’s been time,” Rose said. “To me, it’s been time. Every injury is a setback a little bit, but as far as emotions and everything, how hard I worked, it’s been consistent with how I’m feeling, being positive. And it’s been a minute since I’ve played. This is the first one, and now it’s behind me and now we’re on to Denver.“
Rose returned to the court against the Utah Jazz. Only playing 25 minutes.
Now I don’t know about you. But those are 6th Man minutes. Not star point guard minutes. He has missed four straight games due to a strained hamstring. Maybe he’s lacking rhythm.
Only Derrick Rose knows what’s wrong with him at this point. And Tom Thibodeau, like he’s done for the past 2-3 years. Just let Rose do his thing. If he can play. He can play.
