2012 Top 25 Under 25: #4 Derrick Rose

Born: October 4, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: PG

What could've been if Rose was able to play this year, or even just the playoffs. We will always have to sit back and wonder that. Rose still has to be near the top of the list, to be honest the only reason he is not #1, or #2 on my list is because of how little he played this year, and how little he is most likely going to play next year.

Rose has been in the league for 4 years and already has an MVP under his belt, is a 3 time All-Star, and won Rookie of the Year. So there is no question about talent here. The only question is health. He battled back injuries all year, and then was knocked out of the playoffs with a torn ACL, that could keep him out all of next regular season as well.

Derrick Rose Could Miss All Next Season

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose will be out approximately eight to 12 months after undergoing surgery to repair his left ACL, said Dr. Brian Cole, who performed the surgery on Saturday.

That means at minimum Rose will miss the first 2 months of the regular season, and could be out all of the regular season if it does take him 12 months. Rose was banged up all year, and you have to worry about basketball players when it has anything to do with knees or ankles. Look at what happened to Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Brandon Roy. Not to mention all the problems Rose has already had with his back.

The good news for Rose is that he is just 23 years old, and players have bounced back in the past, and hopefully this long layoff will also be able to get him back fixed too.

Derrick Rose Hurt Again

"Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose injured his right ankle in the second quarter of Sunday afternoon's game against the New York Knicks and is a game-time decision for Tuesday night's rematch (ESPN)."

Knicks beat the Bulls last night and this is a huge game for the Knicks. Knicks are currently tied for the 7th seed, and only 1 1/2 games in front of the Bucks. Yet, this is not why I write about this.

Rose as already missed 22 games this season with toe, back, and groin injuries. Now his has to deal with this ankle issue. Out of those injuries the back is the biggest one. You just never know if it'll go out again. If Rose was to go down I think most of us would agree it would take the Bulls out of the Championship hunt.

So... If the Celtics were able to prove again they can deal with the Heat can they not be considered contenders? They are playing as well as anyone. The only big man they have to fear hurting them in the playoffs is Howard, and the Celtics have dealt with them fine.

Of course you have to be scared of the Heat in the 7 game series, and the Pacers worry be a bit, but if there is no Rose the road gets a lot easier for the Celtics.