First day of practice, Derrick Rose sustains an orbital fracture on the left eye due to getting elbowed from a teammate.  Since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament in 2012, Rose has only played 33% of the games the Chicago Bulls played. Bull’s columnist and fans are in familiar position as Rose gets hurt again. Since 2008, Rose has suffered injuries to his hip, wrist, neck, back, toe, groin, knee, hamstring, ankle, and of course, his orbital bone. After talking about free agency which is two years from, he discussed how he can’t wait to perform well to get another pay day, he gets hurt. Stephen A. Smith said it best, “You can’t make this stuff up.” Fans are not upset about the injury itself, Rose is listed out for only 2 weeks; It’s the rehab and how long he sits out for, Rose has missed 212 of 312 regular season games in the past four seasons.  Knowing Rose, he will probably be out for 6 weeks.

This injury further proves Jimmy Butler is the star and best player on the team.  Last season winning most improved player and leading the Bulls alongside Pau Gasol to the playoffs, it’s destined for Jimmy Butler to have a breakout year. Butler made his first of many All-Star games last season, and feels that becoming a leader is the next step in his development. Rose at this point has no choice but to cede the spotlight and leadership responsibilities to Butler. Butler is in elite company, only 9 players averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assist and 2 steals per 100 possessions last season. Butler still only ranks 5^th in touches per game, why is the best player not getting the most touches? The friction with Rose must be true because Rose has not been feeding him the ball like he should. Maybe Rose getting hurt is a blessing in disguise, seems to be best for the team.