Can Bulls Stay Healthy During Playoffs?
We already knew the Bulls had better reserves. The biggest thing the first game between both teams at full strength proved was that (Derrick) Rose and Rip Hamilton need more time in the same backcourt. More rest only would add another layer of rust — a fact reinforced by Rose’s shaky 1 of 13 shooting.
More than anything, lingering injury issues have prevented Rose and Hamilton from jelling. To think those medical problems suddenly will disappear once the NBA calendar flips into postseason borders on blind faith. If Bulls officials honestly ranked team concerns as the regular season comes to a close, health might rank ahead of defense and rebounding. Last year the sight of Rose produced chants of “M-V-P!” This year, we think MRI.
Rose has yet to play in more than 11 straight. Hamilton’s longest consecutive games streak is five. Can the Bulls feel comfortable knowing Rose and Hamilton both will be playing by the Eastern Conference finals? Anybody in the Bulls organization who answers yes has a rabbit’s foot in his pocket and a four-leaf clover on his lapel — and is fibbing.
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