Bulls don’t believe Derrick Rose’s health will hurt team in free agency

The Chicago Bulls are expected to be major players throughout the free agency period this summer, with many believing the team is the front-runner to steal Carmelo Anthony away from the New York Knicks.

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However, some appear to be concerned that the mystery surrounding Derrick Rose’s health could prevent someone like Melo or other free agents from ultimately heading to Chicago.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau made it clear in an ESPN radio appearance on Thursday that he holds no such worries.

From ESPN Chicago:

"“Not really,” Thibodeau said during ESPN 1000’s NBA draft show on Thursday night. “In the NBA, injuries are part of it. And most guys go through a period in their own career when they’re injured. It’s adversity that you have to get past and get over and most of these guys have done that, so I don’t think that’s going to be a big deal. I think they’re going to see Derrick and they’re going to know that he is healthy.”"

Yes, Thibodeau was going to say something of that sort, even if he didn’t believe it. But the fact remains that Carmelo is the most likely big-name free agent to leave his former team and the Bulls are one of three teams that have a meeting set up with him on July 1, the first day of free agency. At this point, it’s hard for them to be in a better position that that.

More than anything, being able to sell playing alongside Rose will be an asset in free agent recruiting for Chicago, regardless of health concerns.