Will Derrick Rose return to MVP-status & Can Chicago win it all?
Derick Rose has been out of action for nearly three years. After suffering tears for both an ACL in his left knee and right knee meniscus, many question whether D. Rose will ever be able to return back to MVP caliber form he left the league with in 2011. From multiple all-star appearances and winning gold for both FIBA teams, the future of the Chicago kid was looking bright some time ago. Most players who missed three straight years due to injuries never return mentally and physically better, but Derick has been showing signs of no let down thus far in the pre-season. While his shot may be a little off due to time away from court, his speed, slashing and quickness are nearly better than before. During the off-season, Chicago made personnel upgrades acquiring free agent Pau Gasol, drafting Doug McDermott and finally getting rid of that horrible Carlos Boozer contract.
The team still has the most passionate player and best defensive big man in the league to compliment Gasol down low and vice versa for offense, so the present looks hopeful for a possible NBA Finals appearance. LeBron James described Chicago as the best team in the east, which definitely isn’t a reach considering they play nearly flawless defense under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Rising star Jimmy Butler got experience under his belt last season, which a sharp shooting Mike Dunleavy and Kirk Hinrich playing on the floor alongside the return of D. Rose should take immerse pressure off him. Chicago is a wildcard in our eyes for the Eastern Conference depending on if Rose can stay healthy and if they’re able to knock down open shots. Their toughness is something no team in the NBA has and could be their X-factor for 2015.