Chicago Bulls Point Guard Derrick Rose is Making the Right Call

The whole city of Chicago gasped last spring when Chicago Bulls point guard went down with an ACL tear, have eagerly anticipated the former MVP's return to basketball. It's taking time, and while many athletes would want to come back and get back on the court as soon as possible, Rose has other plans.

Plans that Chicago fans may not like because their team is 30-22, and currently in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt in fifth place.

On Monday afternoon this week, Rose told USA Today Sports that he is still far away from returning and wouldn't come back until he was 110 percent.

Rose is recovering form surgery he underwent to fix a torn ACL in his left knee suffered against the Philadelphia 76ers in last season's playoffs on April 28. The Bulls point guard had surgery on May 12.

On Wednesday, Rose told Chicago Bulls beat reporter Nick Friedell from ESPN Chicago, "I really don't know. I'm feeling good, but like I said, if it's where it's taking me a long time and I'm still not feeling right, I don't mind missing this year."

He would add, "I would love to. That's why I approached my rehab and my workout so hard. I'm trying to get back on the court as quickly as possible, but if I have anything lingering on, it's no point"

Rose has said he would be fine by not playing this season, but has listened to his trusted associates and Bulls personnel about his decision to play. Rose has said he will work with his mentor/agent B.J. Armstrong, team executives John Paxson and Gar Forman and his trainers to decided when he will come back.

Rose joined his teammates on the last road trip, and played the 3-on-3, and one-on-one in practice. Bulls Vice President of Operations said on Wednesday after the All-Star break, Rose will participate in 5-on-5 practices.

Rose has said is struggling with his mental and physical confidence and hasn't taken a hit on his left knee, but isn't concerned about that part of recovery. To help with his recovery, he has been watching the recovery of current and former players that have recovered from ACL injuries.

Chicago Bulls fans have to be disappointed about Rose's comments, but they should take his concern with good reason.

In the past year, the NFL saw Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson rush for over 2,000 yards after his ACL tear, but the NBA saw Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio struggle in his return from his ACL tear last year against the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

The type of injury sustained to Peterson, Rubio, and Rose is all the same, but the sports they play are entirely different. Football is a lot different from basketball to come back from an ACL tear, as their is more jumping involved that affects a players landing on their knees.

Rose is taking the appropriate caution, and he will make the right call. His trainers are supporting his decision, too. Rose told reporters, "It's really on me to make the decision to play again. That's cool that they left it up to me."

Some will argue, too, is it Rose's decision or is it the Bulls' personnel decision to make? Well, ultimately, it is Rose's because it is the type of injury that could affect the rest of his career.

The Bulls are being smart and so is Rose. The city of Chicago should keep waiting and be patient for it's young star to become fully healthy.