Derrick Rose nearly lead the Chicago Bulls to the NBA Finals for the first time since the post-Michael Jordan era during the 2010-11 season. If not for Lebron James and the Miami Heat getting in their way and taking the Eastern Conference championship, Rose would have completed the season as season MVP and at least an NBA Finals contender. He lead the Bulls to an NBA-best 62-20 recod that season.
However, it has never been better for the Bulls since that memorable run as the Chief Bull suffered an ACL injury the following season that sidelined him for nearly two years. Rose came back in the Bulls' roster last season only to suffer a second season-ending injury in their ninth game against Portland in November 2013, detailed SBNation.
With the NBA training camp opening less than two weeks from now, Chicago Bulls and its fans are getting optimistic of the team's chances in the Eastern Conference, especially in light of the departure of Lebron James from the Miami Heat, which somehow evened the playing field for the title of the NBA's beast from the east.
Bleacher Report, stated that in spite of a seemingly healthy Derrick Rose rejoining the Bulls roster for the 2014-15 NBA season, he still remains the biggest question mark for Chicago Bulls.
Not that his surgically-repaired knee has not yet completely healed or that Rose would be risking himself to another possible injury -- notions which he personally debunked when he played for Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, averaging 17.1 minutes per game. The question is more on whether he has regained his old MVP touch, and will he be able to carry the Chicago Bulls back to the playoffs and eventually the NBA Finals, which the Windy City actually last savoured 15 years ago.
Despite not having Rose in the roster for the most part of the season last year, the Bulls managed to get to the playoff only to be eliminated by the Washington Wizards in the first round after five games.
With the entry of Pau Gasol into the Bulls lineup, things are looking up for Chicago. WIth Derrick back, fans are hoping the team can revive the vaunted Bulls run last seen in the NBA four years ago.
In yet another article on Bleacher Report, Rose was asked how he is feeling after taking part in the FIBA World Cup and contributing to the triumph of Team USA. He was was quoted by Sam Smith of Bulls.com in his series of tweets via @SamSmithHoops: "I think I did great. I think I can go into camp with a positive mind thought; I know I'm headed in the right direction."
"Everybody was worried but myself. I already knew I was going to be healthy enough to play in all the games," Rose was quoted as saying and twitted by Smith.
"I think this year will be the best year I've ever been in condition," remarked the Chief Bull.
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