Chicago Bulls: 5 Areas Of Concern During Latest Losing Skid

Chicago Bulls: 5 Areas Of Concern Following Latest Setback

Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Bulls 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) tries to get around Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Can The Bulls Depend On Derrick Rose?

Earlier I mentioned how several of the Bulls players have been dealing with injuries. The one name I purposely did not mention was Derrick Rose.

The Bulls guard scored nine points to go along with three assists in just 22 minutes, and he exited the game for during third quarter.

What the reason for the early departure?

A strained patellar tendon in the left knee. This is the same knee in which he tore the ACL back in April of 2012.

"“Just felt something with my left knee, like jumper’s knee or something like that,” Rose told ESPN. “It just didn’t feel right while I was out there. Just got to be cautious with my body.”"

More hoops habit: Are The Chicago Bulls Legitimate Title Contenders?

Looking at the situation from an optimistic standpoint, this is the first time that Rose has experienced soreness in the knee in over a year. The bad news is the uncertainty that arises with each injury.

Although Jimmy Butler has established himself as the team’s top scoring option, Rose is one of the few players on the roster who can consistently put pressure on opposing defenses in transition. And unless he can be in top form when it matters the most, the Bulls may be staring at another short-lived postseason appearance.

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