Derrick Rose's loyalty to the Chicago Bulls has fallen under fire as after the point guard made comments regarding his health and the importance of the bigger picture. Rose made note that he does not plan on playing unless he is certain he is 100 percent healthy. That has caused a number of Bulls' fans to wonder just how committed Rose is to the team and the expectations of the season. While the fans are doubting, no one on the Bulls' roster seems to be worried.
No one can blame Rose for being nervous. Over the past two seasons, the point guard has played a total of 10 games while dealing with serious knee issues. He then started 2014 off by spraining both ankles. That caused Rose to tell the media that he is always thinking about life after basketball and what kind of impact serious injuries will have on it. However, none of his teammates took those comments as loyalty issues.
"I heard a couple things from people, not directly reading from the outlets, but obviously he's concerned about his long-term health, which we all are in a way, but we're in a business, we're in a sport, where that's what's at stake and that's a commitment that we make, and a price that we pay," Gasol said, via ESPNChicago.com. "It's something that any athlete is exposed to, but I think he's a guy that works extremely hard. He works hard, and I think he's 100 percent committed to winning and to this team. But in the make of his mind, he's had a rough stretch, so you understand that part."
Head coach Tom Thibodeau also came to his point guard's defense regarding his commitment to the team. The head coach told that media that after going through what Rose did over the past two seasons, he does not blame him from taking his health very seriously. It is clear that Rose is not being hampered when on the court. He returned against the Detroit Pistons and put up 24 points and seven assists. However, if he continues to be on an off the court for the future, will it have an impact on the Bulls' season?
"I think this: I know Derrick, and I know he wants to play," Thibodeau said. "You have to take a look at what he's just gone through. It's been 2½ long years, two major injuries. So, there's a lot going on there. When you sprain both your ankles, you have to do what you think is right. As I said, if he's healthy, he should play. If he's injured, he should sit. It's a long time that he's been off. He's got to go. And I think he understands that. Derrick wants to win. We've got a good group. We've got a good opportunity. It's on us what we do with the opportunity. And the commitment from our entire team has to be special."
Right now, players like Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson are stepping up to make an impact when Rose is not playing. Considering both players are seeking new deals for the future, putting up big numbers could help their stock value.