Bulls’ Derrick Rose says injury made him enjoy basketball

Nov 22, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) yells at the officials and is given a technical foul during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) yells at the officials and is given a technical foul during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose went down with a torn ACL, he knew he’d have a long and hard road to recovery. What Rose didn’t know is just how difficult a return would be and the constant strain wore on the former league MVP.

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Frustrated with the injury and situation, Derrick Rose told the Washington Post that he was in a dark place after his ACL injury, comparing his rehab and return to the court to a ‘job’.

So what happened after Rose suffered a torn meniscus just days after returning from his devastating ACL injury? More doom and gloom? Not even – in fact, Derrick Rose says the injury made him realize that he missed the game and that he needed to enjoy being on the floor.

“It changed with the second injury,” Rose, 25, said. “I knew that I couldn’t be mad or be in that place for a whole year again. So I really attacked my rehab and it really was fun this time. The first time it was hell. This time it was hell, too. But I was able to enjoy it a little bit more, seeing that improvement.”

Playing in just 10 games over the course of the past two seasons, it seems as if Derrick Rose has a new found appreciation for the sport he loves and it’s reflecting in his play.

Participating during Team USA’s training camp, DRose has been one of the most impressive players according to the coaching staff and looks ready to lead the Chicago Bulls deep into the postseason.