(CBS) There’s a reason why Derrick Rose shriveled in the loss to the Cavaliers that ended the Bulls’ season last Thursday, and it’s not good, no matter how you look at it.
It made little sense that Rose attempted only four second-half shots, scored just one basket and attempted no free throws as his team surrendered meekly on its home floor in a 94-73 setback in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. After a blistering first quarter in which he shot 5-of-9 and handed out three assists, he would score just four more points after that and seemed reluctant to attack the basket in what was the biggest game of his career.
Rose was never asked directly why he disappeared when his team needed him most, but sources tell 670 The Score that a common NBA problem affected the Bulls at the worst possible time – two alpha dogs and only one basketball.
It looked strange when wing Jimmy Butler kept flashing to Rose’s side of the floor, calling for the ball, as the Bulls’ offense was drying up. Rose was all too happy to oblige instead of waving Butler off and taking charge, either resetting the called play or taking his man – often the undrafted Matthew Dellavedova – hard to the rim for at least a likely foul.
Sources describe a passive-aggressive reaction from Rose that was the culmination of tensions building in recent weeks with Butler’s emergence as a primary scorer. Butler is very aware that he won his bet on himself and is poised to reap the reward of a maximum contract from the Bulls, whether or not it takes an offer sheet from another club in restricted free agency this summer. Butler’s emergence was validated by the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, and he’s now feeling every bit the star, with all that entails.
If one were to try to give Rose the benefit of the doubt, seeing a selfless point guard willing to cede the spotlight and responsibility to the hotter hand in the best interests of winning, it would be a tough case to build. Even though the Bulls trailed by two after the first quarter, the offense was clicking, scoring 31 points of 56.5 percent shooting and catalyzed by Rose’s active, determined play. It was Butler trying to force the issue in the miserable second quarter, missing four of his six shots and his two 3-point attempts as the Bulls managed 13 total points. Butler then had free run of things in the second half, shooting 4-of-12 while Rose drifted aimlessly.
A lead guard is supposed to lead, not follow. If Rose were really doing what was best, he would have continued to act as the primary thrust for an offense that was working, but he just … stopped. If he thought that was the better strategic choice, it’s terrible judgment. If it’s the alternative that sources describe – more of a three-quarter pout, with Rose’s play saying, “You want to be the man, go ahead, knock yourself out” – that’s even worse.
Where Tom Thibodeau was through all of this is unknown, but that this dynamic was allowed to play out isn’t surprising for a coach so entirely focused on what happens when his team doesn’t have the ball. Defensive issues are noticed immediately and corrected, with timeouts, assignment changes or substitutions. On offense for Thibodeau, not so much.
Whoever replaces Thibodeau soon must solve this issue right away, because these Rose and Butler will soon account for $36 million next year and $38 million the year after, making them the NBA’s most expensive backcourt.
It can work, for sure. Their styles can complement each other, with modern pro offenses more creative than ever in using floor balance, cutting and ball movement to force bad matchups and difficult choices for opponents. See the Warriors for an example, and note that the four remaining NBA teams were four of this year’s top five in 3-pointers made, and the fifth was the just-ousted Clippers.
Whatever tension has grown between the inconsistent Rose and the fast-rising Butler needs to be harnessed for the better. Without their games harmonizing instead of conflicting, this isn’t going to succeed no matter who’s in charge.
It all starts coming out once the playoffs comes around.
Interesting because I was wondering why Rose didn't pass to Jimmy on several possessions in almost every game in the Cavs series.
Rose types should be a thing of the past.
selfish diva who care more about their own numbers
Russell Westbrook seems like he is cut from the same cloth. For now they will dazzle and fly past defenders with blazing athleticism. Then, when they slow down, they are just worthless chuckers who are still living in yesteryear and have a hard time just being a simple individual team contributor
mreinman wrote:Rose types should be a thing of the past.selfish diva who care more about their own numbers
Russell Westbrook seems like he is cut from the same cloth. For now they will dazzle and fly past defenders with blazing athleticism. Then, when they slow down, they are just worthless chuckers who are still living in yesteryear and have a hard time just being a simple individual team contributor
This isn't new- whenever a prolific scorer/ chucker has chosen to share the ball and take fewer shots, usually good things have happened. It's always been about knowing when to share and when to take over. It's nothing new.
Getting the feeling Rose will be a Knick for our draft pick
gunsnewing wrote:Getting the feeling Rose will be a Knick for our draft pick
HOW does that even make sense? Why would Phil want Rose and especially for our 1st pick? Rose couldn't win with a better team than the Knicks have now, so I don't see the interest Phil would have.
This can all be sorted out when Butler gets his multi-generational wealth and either thibs or the new coach sort it out with both.
Labeling either or comapring them to others is not of consequence. Bulls with Rose in and out the last two years don't have time to practice and burn in chemestry that is needed come playoff time.
nixluva wrote:gunsnewing wrote:Getting the feeling Rose will be a Knick for our draft pick
HOW does that even make sense? Why would Phil want Rose and especially for our 1st pick? Rose couldn't win with a better team than the Knicks have now, so I don't see the interest Phil would have.
it was a joke!
geeeeeez
we know that "Phil does not want to trade his draft pick for Rose"
Also, there are some rumblings that Chicago will keep Thibs because they owe him 9 mil and Hoiberg has some health issues and doesn't want to move to the nba at this point. After all the games played with Thibs it seems like it would be hard for the front office and coach to continue to work together. I am wondering if this is more about the 9 mil as Chicago is known as being frugal. Also, with the news out about Rose and Butler I wonder if the Bulls might not match a max deal for Butler.
Bulls might be a pickle with this situation, but I'd be surprised if they let JB walk.
players fight and argue all the time. this is nonsense intended to give excuses
callmened wrote:players fight and argue all the time. this is nonsense intended to give excuses
I don't think so. eventually things come to a head.
Shaq and Kobe could not coexist though they should have.
Westbrook and Durant probably have 1 season under Billy before one of them gets shipped.
I think DJ leaves ...
gunsnewing wrote:Getting the feeling Rose will be a Knick for our draft pick
This is ridiculous. Mr. Negativity strikes again
mreinman wrote:callmened wrote:players fight and argue all the time. this is nonsense intended to give excuses
I don't think so. eventually things come to a head.
Shaq and Kobe could not coexist though they should have.
Westbrook and Durant probably have 1 season under Billy before one of them gets shipped.
I think DJ leaves ...
agreed...but shaq and kobe was over several yrs. this just occurred (to my knowledge). its something to keep an eye on but im not taking this 2 seriously
Great lets get Butler. One of the really "worth it" long term FAs this offseason.
Gentry is interviewing with the Pelicans. He was the second choice after Hoiberg for the Bulls job from what I have read. It is seeming more and more likely that Thibs will be back for the final year of his deal.
CrushAlot wrote:Gentry is interviewing with the Pelicans. He was the second choice after Hoiberg for the Bulls job from what I have read. It is seeming more and more likely that Thibs will be back for the final year of his deal.
typical Bulls being cheap.
Gentry is not getting the job.
CrushAlot wrote:Gentry is interviewing with the Pelicans. He was the second choice after Hoiberg for the Bulls job from what I have read. It is seeming more and more likely that Thibs will be back for the final year of his deal.
in no way will that be awkward for all parties concerned- Bulls are a classless organization
