Derrick Rose Could Return in 4-6 Weeks, But the Smart Move Would Be to Wait Until Next Season

Derrick Rose received something that was perceived as good news today: Chicago’s star point guard underwent a successful meniscetomy to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee, and he “is anticipated to return to play in four to six weeks” the team’s website blared.

Hey, guess how many weeks are left in the NBA’s regular season?

Seven.

The Bulls have 24 games left, and are currently 4th in the East, 1/2 game behind Cleveland, and 1.5 back of Toronto for the 2nd seed.

Why should Derrick Rose even return this season? It makes no sense. His last two injuries were so mentally deflating, he took longer than normal to return to the court. What’s the point of inserting Rose to the Bulls rotation just in time for the playoffs? If he goes down in the playoffs with another knee injury, you might as well scratch his 2015-2016 season.

The team will have two dozen games to adjust to life without Rose, and that life will primarily consist of Aaron Brooks starting at point guard, backed up by Kirk Hinrich.

[RELATED: 2015 NBA Mock Draft]

Is it good enough to get by the Wizards or Bucks in the 1st round? Take down the Hawks in the 2nd round? There’s a couple reasons to be optimistic: Pau Gasol gives them an offensive option inside they didn’t have last year (when they lost in the 1st round to the Wizards), and Nikola Mirotic provides offensive pop off the bench.

Last year in the the 1st round, they scored 93, 99 (in OT), 100, 89 and 69 in the five games. Worse yet, they crumbled in the 4th quarter in games one and two after leading at the end of the 3rd quarter.

But what the Bulls can do in the postseason hinges on the health of Joakim Noah. He’s struggled with injuries all season, and if he’s not 100%, they’ll probably be bounced early. If Noah’s healthy, I think they can make the Eastern Conference finals, even without Derrick Rose.

Rose is only 26. He’s got a two more years left on his contract. I’d rather have a rested, healthy Derrick Rose in October than whatever version they’re going to get in six weeks.