Sitting Tight (on Bench) Latest Option for Rose

November 26, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Midweek musings: Derrick Rose left the Chicago Bulls’ game Tuesday night at Denver because of tightness in his left hamstring. And possibly in coach Tom Thibodeau’s sphincter. Rose did not play in the second half of a 114-109 loss to the Nuggets.

Video below of Playboy’s June 2013 Playmate Audrey Aleen Allen. Credit: Holly Randall

* Thibodeau: “I didn’t want to take a chance.” After all, Rose had played Monday night, so concern is understandable for a player whose career has gained attention for its injuries rather than performance. What’s a bit difficult to understand is why he played at all. If Rose isn’t physically fit, then let him sit. There’s no rhyme (other than perhaps in the previous sentence) or reason to have him on the court if he is unable to perform at a level that Thibodeau is comfortable with.

* Rose: “We’re on a back-to-back, dealing with fatigue and I didn’t want to take steps back.” Taking steps in any direction seem challenging enough. Someone needs to take command of the situation so that Rose has a realistic chance of being healthy for the postseason. Assuming that being Rose and being healthy are not mutually exclusive.

* Once again, Jimmy Butler lead the Bulls in scoring. He had a game-high 32 points. Included were a career-high 18-of-20 free throws. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 11 rebounds. Rose had two points in 10 minutes (but, hey, we have video of the basket below).

* Speaking of career highs, Bulls rookie Cameron Bairstow played a career-high 19 minutes in his first NBA start (for center Joakim Noah who sat out with a knee injury). That’s more minutes than his four other appearances combined this season. Bairstow also had a career-high two points with the first field goal of his career.

* With all the injuries the Bulls have had this season, it’s unclear whether general manager Gar Forman needs to call around to find some healthy players who might be available or whether he should simply call the Red Cross.

* As for a Jerry Reinsdorf-owned franchise is better health, the White Sox introduced Adam LaRoche to the media. Manager Robin Ventura said LaRoche would mostly be the designated hitter and bat fourth in the lineup behind 2014 Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu. LaRoche also likely would play first base a couple of times a week. Meaning Abreu would be the DH. LaRoche is a Gold Glove first baseman. Abreu is not. Of course, Abreu is not going to improve defensively unless he plays in the field. Then again, there’s no guarantee he will improve. Maybe someone can find a good reason to have a better glove on the bench than at first.

***

Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the enviable efforts of the editorial and video departments at ElliottHarris.com):