Prior to the start of this 2014-15 slate, Derrick Rose played 10 games over the course of two full NBA seasons.
It should come as no surprise then that a certain level of scrutiny has surrounded his first healthy season in years. But Rose's decision to sit out a few games only increased attention on his recovery.
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In a conversation with ESPNChicago's Nick Friedell, Rose admitted his injuries were not so grave that they forced him to sit out. Rose told Friedell he is thinking long term, rather than playing through early bumps and bruising.
Rose: "I know a lot of people get mad when they see me sit out or whatever, but I think a lot of people don't understand that ..."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 11, 2014 Rose: "When I sit out it's not because of this year. I'm thinking about long term. I'm thinking about after I'm done with basketball."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 11, 2014 Truth is, the attention to this point has been unwarranted. Rose has missed four games against the Timberwolves, Magic, Sixers and Celtics. All of those teams have one thing in common: they're expected to miss the playoffs.
Rose's steps need to be measured if he is to stay healthy this time around and avoid the pitfalls that accompanied an ACL injury he lost an entire year for and a hurt meniscus that cost him last season. For the Bulls to spell him in early games against lesser competition makes complete sense.
The Bulls point guard provided solid numbers when he did play, with averages of 17.5 points, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals. And if the result of Rose sitting out will equal what we saw Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, there shouldn't be many complaints about him taking time for himself in early Novemeber.