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| Chicago Native, Derrick Rose. Source:Keith Allison |
Some may have forgotten what kind of a basketball player and man that Derrick Rose is because of the two catastrophic knee injuries he faced the past two years- A rupture of the ACL in the left knee and a torn meniscus in the right.
Rose tore his ACL in the first round of the 2012 playoffs and missed the entire 2012-13 season, where he was criticized for not returning when he was cleared to play. Although, Rose was not ready mentally to get back on the court.
In addition, during the 2013-2014 season coming up, Derrick Rose was expected to be one hundred percent physically and mentally ready to play. Rose then dominated the pre-season averaging 20.71 points per game, which is close to his MVP year where he averaged 25.01 points per game. Fans and the basketball world knew that Derrick Rose was back. As the regular season started, Rose progressed and shook some rust off every game. Rose started to look more like the Rose he was prior to injury. On the other hand, with only 10 games played during the season, he faced a freak injury, another injury, where he tore his meniscus in his right knee.
After the first injury, people all over thought Derrick Rose was finished, until proven wrong. But, after the second injury, the basketball world, fans, and the media questioned themselves, if Derrick Rose will ever be the same.
Rose then faced numerous criticisms from fans and the media. There was even a time where questions talked about releasing Derrick Rose from the Chicago bulls. There were also naysayers saying that he will never be the same or play at an elite level. In addition, people started to lose respect for Rose as well.
With that said, is just going to far. We are talking about a player who already proven to the world that you can come back even better from a devastating injury, actually two devastating injuries. So let the man be. The injuries Rose sustained could make any player think twice about playing again.
Therefore, Derrick Rose was faced with so much doubt, however he used it as an advantage. Rose, took the criticism, the doubts, and the trash talk to his workouts. He took the negativity and turned it into motivation, which made him think positive about the situation he was in. Rose then added 5 inches to his vertical leap. Furthermore, during rehabilitation, Rose was asked in an interview, “who is the best player in the NBA" , Rose responded "Derrick Rose."
Okay, yeah, he had two major knee injuries and still claims he is the best player in the league. Some may think he is crazy but, that answer is reasonable. If he didn't get injured at all and continued his MVP like form which he had plenty of room to improve, there wouldn't be a doubt to that answer. But, with that said just wows me and others as well. A player who has gone through two career-ending injuries, and still has a high level confidence, gives hope.
That is why, nobody should doubt Derrick Rose upon his return to the upcoming 2014-2015 NBA season because of his confidence.
Rose is currently part of the FIBA World Cup USA Basketball Team and is playing with elite players all over the
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| Rose explodes for a lay-up. Source:Ethan Miller/Getty Images |
With Derrick Rose playing in the FIBA, should quiet the naysayers because of the flashy moves and explosiveness coming from Rose. When watching Rose play I still see flashbacks of him prior to his first injury. Since that is the case, why should we doubt a player which we know who has the confidence and potential to become the best in the league again?
We shouldn't. But, in order to put an end to the doubters, Derrick Rose must prove that in the upcoming 2014-15 NBA season.
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