Alex Pancoe | Chicago Sports

Alex Pancoe's Thoughts on the Chicago Sports World

Bulls

Checking In On The Chicago Bulls

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alexander pancoe chicago bulls season illinoisThe Chicago Bulls entered the 2014-15 NBA season posed to be a threat to win the Eastern Conference and possibly an NBA Championship. In addition to welcoming back their superstar point guard Derrick Rose, the organization made great offseason moves, adding veteran all-star Pau Gasol, European star Nikola and veteran guard Aaron Brooks.

The energy around the organization and the city was high and people were excited about what the season had to offer. But on February 24, news broke that Derrick Rose had another knee injury, a medial meniscus tear of the right knee, which is an all too familiar story for the Bulls. Derrick Rose has since had surgery and is waiting until he is healthy to get back out on the court, again. He will likely miss the rest of the regular season and the organization is still unsure if he will be ready to go in time for the playoffs.

The constant highs and lows surrounding the Chicago Bulls over the past several years have spurred growing conflict between the front office and the head coach Tom Thibodeau. Those close to the organization have said that it appears the relationship cannot be repaired. This raises the question of whether Tom Thibodeau will leave or be fired at the end of the season.

It has been reported that the likely replacement coach for the Chicago Bulls could be the Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg. Hoiberg is a highly-regarded coach after his consistent success with the Cyclones. Hoiberg is a 10-year NBA veteran and spent time in the Timberwolves front office as well, so he is familiar with the league.

While Fred Hoiberg is more than happy at his current position with Iowa State, an opportunity to coach at the professional level is definitely appealing. Especially with a high profile and great market team such as the Chicago Bulls.

It remains to be seen how the rest of the season will playout. Surely, another early exit from the postseason is not what the Chicago Bulls had in mind. But never count out a miraculous return by Derrick Rose and a deep run in the playoffs ensuring Thibodeau’s job safety. Winning can certainly change everything.

A Rose by any Other Name Would Not Be Derrick Rose

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Roses are red.
Roses ARE red.

A Rose by any Other Name Would Not Be Derrick Rose

By Alexander Pancoe

 

Despite returning to basketball at the FIBA World Cup, the Derrick Rose of old has yet to show his face. Most of us are asking a much bigger question, however: will he be any good come late October?

Perhaps to diffuse concerns regarding his post-injury game, Rose recently boasted that he spent time in the off-season tweaking his jumper. While adjustments to his technique certainly matter, it certainly hasn’t improved his production at the rim. Not by a long shot.
U.S. National Team head coach Mike Krzyzewski even takes note of Rose’s good intentions, but, like us, wants to see the former MVP back to form.

It’s possible Rose doesn’t (and shouldn’t) trust his knees just yet. We understand why he’d say “fool me once” and take a supporting role in this tournament. Regardless, questions persist about his play. One or two games may not prove much one way or the other, but a breakout performance would silence his detractors. Rose is long overdue for one.

Though his less-than-stellar FIBA stats say otherwise, Rose remains confident that his moment of truth is just around the corner. And who really knows? One thing is certain, NBA fans will continue to watch. Chicago fans – all of us – will continue to hope. For more, go here.