Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and guard Kirk Hinrich have come to teammate Derek Rose’s defence after TNT announcer Steve Kerr said that the injured guard “maybe owes it to his teammates” to play.
“We don’t feel that way,” Hinrich told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s been a very difficult year for Derrick. I’ve never experienced any sort of injury like that. I’m not one to speak on how anybody else’s body feels. We know what kind of guy he is and what kind of teammate he is and we don’t feel that way.
“I haven’t heard one ill word said about it. You give a guy who has that type of character the benefit of the doubt. We know that he’s such a big part of this organization and this team that we trust he’s making the right decision for that and for himself.”
Kerr said he initially supported the Bulls and Rose for the way they handled the injury but believes it is time for the injured guard to return.
“I know I’ve kind of changed my mind,” Kerr said. “I really supported the Bulls and Derrick with the way they’ve handled it. I think you err on the side of caution. But I think where the Bulls are now with this series with Kirk Hinrich struggling with this calf injury… If Derrick is OK and there’s no threat to further injury. I think he has to put himself out there for 15-20 minutes. Look at what Noah and Hinrich are putting themselves through with their injuries. I think it’s time for Derrick – maybe he owes it to his teammates. I guess that’s what I’m saying.”
Team doctors cleared Rose to begin full-court scrimmaging on Feb. 18.
Thibodeau said his player’s injuries were incomparable.
“There is a big difference between the type of injury that he’s had and all these other injuries,” Thibodeau said. “And we certainly appreciate what all the other guys are doing, but Derrick has had a very serious injury. It requires time. He’s 24 years old. We’re not going to rush him back.
“When he’s completely comfortable, that’s when we want him out there. If that means we wait another game, if that means we wait until next year, so be it. We want him completely comfortable and we’re not going to make that mistake.”
