Derrick Rose: The Good And Bad In His Return Season

Good: The Guy’s Finally Healthy…

Before we start, isn’t it kind of important to note that Rose has nearly played as many games this season (36) as he had in the last three years (49)? He’s had to go through grueling rehab on his torn ACL AND a torn meniscus in the last two years, and every time Rose hits the deck, you can almost hear the entire city of Chicago inhale and hold its breath.

There are still a lot of games to be played in this second half of the season, but Rose is averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game on 41.6 percent shooting. That stat line is nowhere near his peak MVP numbers, but just the fact that he’s been able to come back and compete at a relatively high level is worth something.

Bad: …Kind Of

That being said, Rose hasn’t been completely healthy this season. We’re only a few games past the midpoint of the season and he’s already missed 11 games with various ailments and soreness.

That whole “Chicago can’t win a title without a healthy Derrick Rose” stigma still stands, even if he’s not playing at an MVP level, so as much as it’s been great to see him back on the floor, it’s a little daunting he’s already missed double-digit games with half a season — and the playoffs — still to go.

Next: Playing Style