Something big is happening in Chicago. Something that could be franchise changing. A glimpse here and there of perfection, in game take overs, tremendous explosion, and pure athleticism. We are witnessing a Chicago kid take the keys of a car that once was driven by Jordan, Pippen, Van Lier, and Sloan. This is happening right before our eyes (even in loses). Derrick Rose is blooming into the player we hoped he would be.
Tonight against the Knicks, and against the Hawks this past Sunday night, Derrick Rose has been an absolute killer to opposing team defenses. Rose, despite having only four points in the first half tonight against the Knicks (and being down by 22) turned it on in the third quarter. He put up 22-points in the second half, slicing and dicing his way through the Knicks defense. Rose has done this alot lately. In the last second loss against the Kings Monday night, Rose had 24-points. In the OT win against the Hawks on Sunday night, Rose had a career high 32-points. In these last three games, Rose was extremely quiet in the first half (which I think is the reason why the Bulls fall behind early in games). But when his team needs him the most, Rose seems to have a switch that he turns on and suddenly nobody can stop. He has a repertoire of spinning scoop shots, low-post baby-hooks, quick jumpers, three pointers, and dunks. I love this Derrick Rose, the selfish Derrick Rose. I love his playing style, I love the way he zones in on what needs to be done and uses his quickness, his elusiveness, and athleticism to create shots, for himself.
Rose has taken the keys to this franchise, but still seems afraid to push the car to its limits. It's like when a guy lives on the edge and becomes the "bad boy" to impress the hottest girl in school. Then when he gets the girl, instead of staying on the edge, he's to worried about messing up; so he skates along, hoping not to lose her. This is Derrick Rose. He only turns into the "edgy boyfriend" when the girlfriend demands it back.
He is still young, and has alot of learning left to do. But I just feel as though he needs a coach that can get the "edgy boyfriend" mentality to stay at all times. A coach that will not only create a "bad boy", but teaches him to take it to another level. I have tried hard not to completely rip the basketball coaches in my life (Vinny Del Negro and "The Todd" Lickliter), but I can't help but assume that somebody like Byron Scott (who has done this with Chris Paul), can do it again. Vinny seems to be the girlfriend in this situation, letting Rose play slow until he realizes he wants the adventurous, the mind blowing, the extremely selfish Rose to come out of the wood works. Do you think somebody like Phil Jackson would let a high caliber kid like Rose only score 4 points in an entire half? Hell No! The offense needs to start going through Rose at all times (not some of the time). He needs to take the keys, turn on the Lambo, and hit the gas and never look back.
Again, I know it is only Derrick's second year in the league, and the kid is barely 21-years old. I realize that he probably wont hit his prime for another 5-6 years. All I'm saying is the Bulls are close to becoming a threat once again. They are one to two pieces away from having a team that can compete with the best in the east. I would simply like for a coach that can push Derrick non stop. Don't get me wrong, Vinny has done a decent job at coaching and dealing with this team. It must be hard handling Loul Deng's nic-nac injuries, Tyrus Thomas' attitude, while trying to convince Joakim Noah that he could be a top rebounder if he hustles. Add this on top of keeping Gordon happy last season by getting him his shots and having the responsibility of turning one of the most quiet 21-year old's into a leader, and that is a true handful. There is going to be alot done by the trade deadline and in the off season, and I think I speak for Bulls fans by saying we're excited. I just believe that Paxson needs to get a high caliber guy to coach high-caliber franchise players (here is to hoping we land a Bosh or Wade).
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