“Nothing is for certain…nothing lasts forever…” Truer
words were never spoken within this Outkast
record from their 1998 album Aquemini.
We are all familiar with the uncertainty of all aspects of life, and how
nothing, not even life itself lasts forever. The marriage between once beloved
Chicago native Derrick Rose and the Bulls is no exception. While this has been
brewing for some time, it was never more evident than during his comments about
free agency. Rose is quoted as saying, “I want to be here, but
when you talk about that much money, the only thing you can do is prepare for
it. I’m trying to prepare, not only myself, but my family. And I’m doing this
all for my son. Like I said, I’m thinking about his future. Even though we’re
alright, we’re comfortable, when you talk about that x-amount of dollars, I
think it raises everyone’s eyebrows, so there’s nothing wrong with being
over-prepared.”
Now
on the surface, the comments sound like nothing more than a typical
professional athlete eager to test the market and find out just how much teams
will pay for his services. But in the case of Rose, these comments are much
more. These comments are essentially a backhanded way of saying to hell with
this franchise. To hell with the fact that I’ve still got two years and $41
million left on a five year $94 million deal. To hell with the fact that I
missed all of the 2012-2013 season and an overwhelming majority of the
2013-2014 season with injuries. To hell with the fact that I didn’t miss a
single paycheck in the midst of this extremely prolonged time off. To hell with
all the guys who supported me throughout my difficult trials and tribulations. Despite
all of this, I couldn’t care less about doing focusing solely on putting in
work while wearing a Bulls uniform. My focus is on who will pay me the most.
While
this harsh reality is heartbreaking for fans, it is still a reality
nonetheless. Derrick Rose is no longer the reserved, humble “Pooh,” he was once
known as while coming up on the South Side of Chicago. He’s no longer the
supremely gifted freshman who fell just short of leading Memphis to a national
title over Kansas. He’s no longer the young kid who attributed much of his
success and MVP season to his mother and brother. He’s no longer the once
explosive, supremely athletic, dangerous crossover point guard we once knew. He
is now a 27-year-old player with two serious knee injuries before 30 and an
extremely questionable ability to remain healthy for a full season and an
arrogant money chaser reminiscent of Latrell Sprewell’s rejection of a 3 year
$21 million extension by Minnesota. He claims, “His family is all right. We’re
comfortable.”
Well,
if that’s really true, then why search for more? Why look other places? Why not
attempt to finish what you started with Chicago? Why not prove you can beat
LeBron James in the playoffs whether he’s wearing a Cleveland or Miami uniform?
Why not strive to bring the first NBA title back to the windy city since 98?
The answer to those and several other questions lie in the paragraph above. As
far as making sure his son and his family are well taken care of, who can’t get
by…no wait…who can’t excel on the $185 million contract he has with Adidas?
Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
It all boils down to a few things. This is the last
chance for Chicago to make a title run with this lineup. If it doesn’t happen
this year (which it likely won’t), it’s time to disband this group of Bulls.
Starting with Rose. If consistent payment of millions for NOT playing, dealing
with his overly opinionated brother taking issue with the front office’s moves
or lack thereof, and dealing with Rose’s propensity for injuries aren’t enough
to make him focus on being the best he can be while in a Chicago uniform, then
nothing will be, and it’s time to cut ties and move on. If not for any of the
previously mentioned reasons, then simply do it because nothing lasts forever
and sometimes the sooner the separation, the better.
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