Fansided

5 NBA players with a lot riding on a successful 2014

By Carlos Nazario

Sep 29, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is interviewed during media day at the Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is interviewed during media day at the Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls 

Speaking of former MVP’s coming back from injuries, here is the one player with arguably the most to prove in 2015. The 2010 season MVP has played in only 10 games over the course of the last two seasons.

Rose’s absence has hurt the Bulls’ playoff hopes in the last three season. In the 2011 season, Rose tore his ACL in the first round of the playoffs. He took over a year to rehab the knee. Many thought he would be available for the Bulls’ incredible playoff run the next season (they upset the Brooklyn Nets in the first round and won Game 1 of the second round against the Heat even though their top players were all injured or sick), but he didn’t.

He came back last season, started out slow, but got it going against the Portland Trail Blazers. In that game, however, he tore his meniscus and was ruled out for the season once again.

Again, the hopes of Chicago’s title dreams rest on Rose’s surgically repaired knees. This time, he is coming back to a much better balanced and deep team.

The Bulls went and signed Pau Gasol and Aaron Brooks (who, together with Kirk Hinrich will alleviate some pressure off of Rose), they drafted Doug McDermott and bought out the contract of their international star Nikola Mirotic.

Rose will not have to shoulder the weight of the offense anymore. Where in the past the Bulls offense succeeded or failed as Rose performed, there are options now. Rose averaged about seven assists in his MVP season, and that was without many offensive options. There are plenty now.

With the shooters the Bulls have now, Rose will have the floor spread for him to do his magic.

The important thing for Rose is to stay healthy. He knows how the doubters are talking about him. He knows that no matter what he says, he has to show it on the court. Heck, he has to just stay on the court.

Rose has the most to prove in the NBA this season. If he is able to stay healthy and get back to form, the Chicago Bulls can go far. If he cannot, or if he gets seriously injured again, it could mark the end of his career as we know it.

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