Can Derrick Rose Return to MVP Form?

bleacherreport.com

Just four seasons ago, Derrick Rose was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player and carried the Chicago Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they would lose to the Miami Heat.

Unfortunately for Rose, injuries have held him back in his career ever since. In the first game of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the 76ers, Rose tore the ACL in his left knee and missed all of the playoffs and the entirety of the 2012-13 season. In the 2013-14 season, Rose’s field goal percentage was 28.8 percent through his first three games, and on November 22 against the Portland Trail Blazers, Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee and was out for the rest of the season.

Last season, Rose was finally back and appeared in 51 games, the most he had played in since his MVP season. In late February, however, Rose once again tore the meniscus in his right knee and, yet again, needed surgery. Luckily for Rose, he was able to return toward the end of the season and for the playoffs.

In the playoffs, Rose showed glimpses of his former self, where he averaged 20.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.

The main question is if Rose can carry his playoff success into the upcoming season and build upon it.

Next season, Rose will only be 27-years-old, so he still is in the prime of his career. However, Rose’s injury history may follow him throughout his career and one must wonder if injury will strike Rose next season.

When healthy, Rose is one of the most explosive playmakers in the NBA and is among the most talented players.

When thinking of Rose’s career, one must think of the career of former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Brandon Roy. Roy was one of the best players in the NBA when he played, but his career came to an end due to constant knee injuries. One must wonder if Rose will suffer the same fate as Roy and have to walk away from the game due to his knees.

At the end of the day, Rose can still return to MVP form. He showed glimpses of his former self in the playoffs and if there is anyone that can return to MVP form after major injuries, it is Derrick Rose.