Collins urges the Bulls to be patient with Rose’s return.
The Philadelphia 76ers fell to a 93-82 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, almost ten months on since the two met in the first game of their first round playoff series last year.
The 76ers went on to beat their Eastern Conference rivals in that series, after the Bulls star point Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL as the opening game was drawing to a close.
Rose has yet to take to the court since that night as he continues his rehabilitation, and despite warming-up with his team-mates ahead of games, he still isn’t quite ready to return.
However, speaking to the media before the game at the United Center on Thursday, Collins was surprised not to see Rose back out on the court.
“Derrick, I thought for sure he was going to play tonight,” he said according to NBA.com.
“Y’know, got hurt against Philadelphia, came back against Philadelphia. Game on TNT. I could just see him running out, y’know, with the adidas commercial tonight.”
However, Collins’ prediction didn’t come to fruition as Rose remained on the inactive list and there is little indication he will be returning in the near future.
“The Chicago Bulls have made a tremendous investment in Derrick Rose. You want to make sure that this young guy is going to be ready to go. Knees are different. Every player is different. Everybody’s game is different.”
The Bulls have maintained throughout they have no intention of rushing Rose back, and will allow him to return when he believes he is ready.
They will undoubtedly be relieved to have secured the win over the 76ers without him, as they look to maintain their position in the Eastern playoff picture.
“I think they have a franchise that has a chance to be good for a long, long, time. And Derrick Rose is the guy who is going to make that special,” Collins concluded.
It is vital that Rose makes a full recovery, and only then can the Bulls begin to depend on their star point guard again.
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