Hoops Habit
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The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) makes a jump shot against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) in the second half during the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose

A bit of an obvious choice, but since Derrick Rose is no longer a superstar-caliber player, I figured it was okay to give him the nod over other potential X-factors like Aaron Brooks, Nikola Mirotic and Tony Snell. Because at the end of the day, if the Bulls don’t have an aggressive Rose, they don’t have much hope of advancing any further than the second round.

It’s come in flashes this season for Rose, who missed 31 games this season due to a series of ailments. Now he’ll attempt to prove to the world that his latest setback was as minor as everyone said it was. That could be a tall task for a guy who sat out the second half of Chicago’s season finale due to knee soreness.

But if the Bulls get Rose at his best (or, whatever qualifies as his “best” now), they could be dangerous. The MVP-caliber player is gone, but D-Rose has given us glimpses at what he once was with games like his 30-point night in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers or when he completely took over late against the Philadelphia 76ers, finishing with 22 points, eight assists and six boards.

The good news is that game was less than a week ago. This former MVP is not as washed up as many would lead you to believe, but even with Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol playing at an All-Star level, Chicago could be in trouble — even in the first round — if Rose plays at anything less than 80 percent. It’s time to make good on all those goose bump-inducing comeback commercials and write a new chapter, D-Rose.

Next: Los Angeles Clippers