Return of D-Rose?

Derrick Rose / Keith Allison - Flickr.com

Derrick Rose is rumored to return to the playoffs after suffering a torn ACL more than a year ago. The injury threw doubt on the Chicago Bulls’ success in the 2012-2013 season. Now the team is heading into Game 5 against the Miami Heat and it is urgent that their franchise player returns.

Despite being without their star guard, the Bulls managed to reach 5th place in the Eastern Conference and beat the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs. Their current challenge is overcoming a 3-1 series deficit and advancing past the league MVP LeBron James and the Heat. With all of their injury problems, the Bulls are in a tricky situation. A returning Rose; however will just be enough to offer the Heat a challenge.

Another pressure Rose faces comes from the fans. Rose has received much criticism due to his absence despite being cleared to play for more than two months. The NBA star even participated in full contact practices.

“If this is about, 'Hey, it doesn't feel right and I'm worried I can hurt it,' then no way should he play,” TNT commentator Steve Kerr was quoted in an ESPN article. ”But if this is just about, 'You know, gosh, I'm just not quite confident yet.' I would appeal to him and say, 'Can you give us 20 minutes?' And if you're Derrick, you've been watching Noah and Hinrich play on one leg this whole series, at what point do you start to feel sort of self-conscious and guilty about what's unfolding?"

Both his teammates and the Bulls organization are coming to Rose’s aid. ‘‘It’s not bothersome because I know all that he’s putting into it and I know who he is,’’ Bulls’ coach Tom Thibodeau said in a Sun Times article. ‘‘I know his character. He’s done amazing things for our organization, and he’s doing all he can. That’s all you can ever ask a guy to do. So there’s always going to be some negativity, but I think the vast majority of it is very positive.’’

The Bulls are in a tough predicament and need some help. Despite an early 3-1 series lead, the team was forced to wait for Game 7 to win their first round series against the Brooklyn Nets. Now the Bulls are facing possible elimination against the top team in the NBA. Rose is the missing piece for the Bulls, but only time will tell if they will have to wait for the next season to fit him in. "Everybody has their own opinion," Rose was quoted in a USA Today article as a response to Kerr’s statement. "The key words that he said were, 'If I'm ready.' (Right now) I'm not ready. I'm just trying to take my time and really, really be smart."