Derrick Rose Return & Injury Update: Healthy D-Rose, Michael Beasley Tandem Could Make Chicago Bulls More Formidable

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose might be starting next season with his former college basketball rival.

The Bulls are reportedly one of the frontrunners to sign former no.2 overall pick Michael Beasley, who was recently released by the Phoenix Suns because of violating 'personal and professional conduct standards.'

The Suns' patience on Beasley has finally reached its limit after the former Kansas State star was arrested for marijuana possession last August. However, it appears the Bulls are interested to give the mercurial wingman another chance.

According to NBA Central, the Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers surfaced as the early candidates to sign Beasley. Beasley was taken no.2 overall pick by the Miami Heat, right after the Bulls decided to use their no.1 pick for their eventual franchise player - D-Rose.

If rumors are true, Rose will be playing along with one of his fiercest rivals back in college. 

Playing with Rose may benefit Beasley in a sense that the former NBA MVP could rekindle the fire competitiveness in him. Beasley's lax attitude is often a problem to all his coaches, but he can also turn into a big time scorer when motivated.

Tom Thibodeau is one of the best motivating coaches in the game, having learned the skills from his mentor Doc Rivers. Moreover, Thib's defense-first approach will also help Beasley address the weakest part of his game, making him a solid all-around player.

Moreover, Beasley hasn't played for a winning team since his tenure with the Miami Heat, when he made the playoffs twice. He averaged 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 26 minutes of playing time in 12 playoff games - which is pretty impressive numbers in the postseason.

With the Bulls, Beasley will have a chance to play for an elite level basketball squad with championship aspirations. Bulls All-Star Luol Deng has been vulnerable to injuries as of late and that may open up an opportunity for Beasley, who could compete with Mike Dunleavy for the backup role at small forward. In addition, the 6-foot-10, 235-pound Beasley can also move to the power forward position, giving the Bulls range at the four spot in a small ball situation.

Everybody might forget that Beasley is just 24-years old. Teaming him up with another young superstar in Rose might be the only way to revive his cascading career. If everything falls into place, Rose-Beasley partnership could be very fun to watch. A scenario that would certainly alarm other contenders, especially in the Eastern Conference.