Derrick Rose
This isn't a big deal. The reports are that Rose took his first contact since the injury on Mon in a light game of one on one vs Mike James. The Bulls were elliminated Tue.
The recovery time frame was 4-6 months. It's been five months.
While a meniscus tear doesn't affect you as much in the short term (it affects you more in the long term) or require reconstructive surgery like an ACL tear does, it's still a major injury, especially if it's repaired instead of just cut out. Rose had his repaired, so it's important to be patient and let it heal. Russell Westbrook is an example of what happens when a repair goes bad. You end up having to go back under the knife.
The Team USA minicamp isn't until July. I see no reason why he shouldn't play. It's a honor to play for Team USA and not only that... Compete against the best players in the world.
If he plays for Team USA, that should help the Bulls. It could help him shake off the rust and get some game time before the season starts. Being able to practice against elite players before the NBA season will make it easier for him to hit the ground running to start the season.
Face it, him playing injured in these playoffs wouldn't have helped him or the team. Same thing last season. The playoffs are not the ideal time to reintegrate a high-usage offensive player into a team's offense. Him getting fully recovered for next season and ready to play should be his and the team's priorities and playing for Team USA could help him do just that.
They hung Rose out to dry with the first injury when they leaked news that the doctors had cleared him to practice but then were also saying it is up to Derrick when he was ready. Derrick wasn't ready and the Bulls allowed the PR disaster to fester all season.
This time around, they did a knee jerk reaction (pun intended) and shut him down for the season to try to avoid the every day questions of when is Derrick returning.
IndianaBasketball is 100% correct. This is about the time when he should return (when he is ready) and getting ready to play meaningful basketball in July makes sense. It also helps the Bulls for next season rather than trying to have Rose use the preseason to get into basketball shape.
There was a thread similiar to this a couple of days ago. Pretty much just another "WTF is up w/ D.Rose!!!" post. Managment definitely messed up his injury the first time around, and hyped him up like crazy. But also you have to think of the optimism that was surronding the Bulls at that time...would have been hard not to try and rally around Rose (MVP at the time) and make a big deal of his rehab. But we have seen in sports their is clearly only one person who should be dealt with like that...and he plays in the NFL...and his name is AP. Anyways guys...how do you think Luol fees? aha
Why wouldn't he play for team USA? It makes all the sense in the world for him. Last year when he came back he was rusty as hell. Playing for USA will help prepare him for the regular season, and will allow him to shake off the rust.
I'm pretty sure he could care less if you lost respect for him.
What a coincidence the day after the Bulls are eliminated from the playoffs he starts taking contact and preparing to play with team USA this summer. I have no respect for this guy anymore he should have tried to play in the playoffs last year and then this year he sits out the rest of the year for an injury that wasn't considered major. He would rather play for a team that doesn't NEED him(USA) than play for the team(Bulls) that needs him and pays him. It's time to stop giving this guy a pass