Broken Thorns Make a Delicate Rose

Injury to 2011 Most Valuable Player allows for a new team to arise.

By Doug Knopf

  

The dynamics of the Central Division are changing due to the ACL tear of Derrick Rose. Chicago, which held the best record in the NBA for the last two seasons, is not the same team without their three-time All-Star. They may not even be the best team in their division.

AP Photo/ Darron Cummings

“You don’t lose a great player without feeling that,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I think we can overcome that with a collective effort.”

The Bulls lost in an intense seven game series to the now revamped and retooled 76ers, even though they won 50 games last year without Rose. Due to Rose’s absence, the Bulls do not have a true go-to man to step up and take over a game. Which brings up the question, can the Bulls compete in an increasingly competitive division?

The Pacers pose the biggest threat to the Bulls supremacy.  With all five starters returning, the Pacers look to build upon their 42-win season, which was the third best record in the Eastern Conference and the fifth best in the league. This off-season, the Pacers worked hard to hold on to two key parts of their roster.

The resigning of Roy Hibbert and Grant Hill allow the Pacers to maintain their size and versatility, making them as dangerous as any team out there. Remember, the Pacers gave the Heat one heck of a battle in the playoffs. The Bulls should be very weary of this team because they are young and are only looking to get better. Now, with tip-off only a month away, Danny Granger and company look to show how big these small market teams can be.

Even the Pistons, yes the Pistons, may compete for the division title. Their roster is composed of many college stars such as first round draft picks Andre Drummond, Kyle Singler, and the one year veteran Brandon Knight. With the right coaching and proper leadership, this should be the strongest team Detroit has fielded since Ben Wallace stood in the paint. The Bulls better watch out for them.

Derrick Rose’s injury, while tragic for the Bulls, will bring more competition to the Central Division. You’d be crazy to think that this division is a lock. True fans should be excited to watch the Central division this year. It is sure to be a wild one.