For Derrick Rose, it’s his time to shine

Repeat this question:What are the Chicago Bulls?

Team on the rise?

Or perhaps, a team with questions to answer?

The Bulls are in a precarious position. After watching Ben Gordon carry them in the playoffs against Boston, some around Illinois may have said “Hey, we didn’t give this guy a fair shake” But once that was said, Poof! Gordon signed with the Detroit Pistons for 55 million over 5 years.

Gordon showed his value to the Bulls in the postseason. When our transition attack was neutralized and we couldn’t score in the half court, BG made things happen on his own. Like a lot of other teams, the Bulls can become very unwatchable when the ball sticks in the half court set. And although this affliction played right into the hands of the Celtics intimidating defense, Gordon’s offensive talents bailed the Bulls out constantly, which eventually led to even more of a lavish lifestyle for BG.

With Gordon now having departed, what can we expect out of this current group?

The most promising and realistic option is the development of Derrick Rose. (Stepping out on a limb huh?) Derrick’s game 1 performance against the Boston Celtics will never be forgotten and gave us a glimpse of what we should rightfully expect out of our Chicago product in the future. We saw Derrick making a habit out of punishing defenders when they went under the screen on the pick-and-roll, attacking the paint with strength and poise, and ultimately making others around him better. Something that’s going to be crucial to the upcoming season.

It’s up to Rose to accelerate his own level of play, and in the process, lift the play of guys like Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. We can dream of Carlos Boozer all we want, but for now, this is what we have, and we must make it work.

Tags: Ben Gordon, Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Detroit Pistons