Will the return of Derrick Rose mean anything to Chicago Bulls?

The rites of spring in Chicago return with the dream of a Cubs World Series and yet again Derrick Rose is here to bring us all down.

With three knee injuries since his MVP season in 2010-11 and the memories of his potential fading into the realities of his brittle foundation we are once again faced with a will he or won’t he be back talk from Derrick Rose.

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But what does Rose bring to this team upon his return?

Watching him play this season has been consistently frustrating with his inability to drive the hoop, his reliance on weak outside jumpers and the stagnation he would impact upon the team. Is he really in the same ballpark as Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, or even Kyrie Irving?

Earlier this season against the Lakers, the Bulls battled back from 11-points down with under two minutes to play. An effort led by Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler, they rallied in spite of Rose. In overtime, with the game needing one closing scoring possession the team consistently turned to Rose out of respect and not merit. Anyone watching the game knew Jimmy Butler and his ability to drive the lane would produce at worst a trip to the lane for free throws and put the game on ice.

But Rose was the player called repeatedly by head coach Tom Thibodeau and the team momentum froze. Rose would commit a turnover, Rose would drive to the lane, through the lane, and then go nowhere. The result was a Bulls loss and it was a loss that could have been prevented.

Yes, the thought of Derrick Rose in the lineup would seem to be the missing link to catapult them to finals contention. But there comes a time when you want see and not be told — and so far it’s been all bark and no bite from the Bulls and Rose.

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