By now most people are aware of Paul George's gruesome leg injury suffered during a warm up scrimmage for team USA. Even people without a genuine interest in basketball have heard about the player that broke his leg in a freak occurence.
George recently signed a five-year, $90 Million dollar contract with the Indiana Pacers. If this were the NFL George may have been released by now. George is expected to miss the entire 2015 NBA season. However, contracts are guaranteed in the NBA. Indiana is on the hook to pay George unless he is traded.
Demarcus Cousins went down clinching his knee in one of team USA's recent practice sessions.. Cousins is expected to call it quits for the remainder of the tournament. Kevin Durant's decision to leave team USA prior to international competition beginning is understandable. Durant is coming off his first league MVP award. He's yet to enter his prime. The Oklahoma City Thunder have become a fixture in the Western Conference playoff picture. The easiest way to get hurt is by playing tentatively. Durant getting hurt would be a tragedy for the NBA, especially after one of the leagues rising stars has already gone down.
Derrick Rose has played in only 11 games over the last two season. Injuries have cost the Chicago Bulls three opportunities to win another championship. Rose appears healthy based on team USA's scrimmages. Chicago's front office has their fingers crossed he returns from international play injury free.
Should Derrick Rose be participating for team USA?
Basketball has been Rose's favorite pastime since his youth growing up in Chicago. He has a genuine love for the game not seen in every athlete. Sitting on the sideline watching his brothers go to battle has been gut wrenching for the former number one pick.
This summer Rose appears to be having the time of his life while he continues to gain back confidence in his legs. He's shed the disappoint look and even cracks a smile for us every now and then. We've had sightings of Rose's two hand tomahawk dunk he's become famous for. The amazing speed burst from half court to the rim also appears to be intact.
Loving the game too much can come with a price. Chicago is once again a threat in the east. Despite missing out on the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, John Paxson has done a great job reloading the Bulls for yet another championship run. Aaron Brooks and Pau Gasol are both veterans with playoff experience. Chicago could be the team to beat in the east this year.
Rose was named NBA MVP in 2011. His hybrid style is different from most point guards in league history. Rose and Russell Westbrook are arguably the two most athletic lead guards in NBA history.
Hopefully Rose has a great tournament and returns to Chicago feeling great. The NBA cannot afford to lose another elite player this summer.
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