Is there another player in the NBA who has been as unlucky as Derrick Rose over the past few years in terms of having to deal with injuries?
The guard has suffered one injury after another since tearing his ACL in the 2012 NBA Playoffs and has missed an astounding 184 games since. After going through some unexpected and disturbing off-court issues over the past summer, Rose was looking forward to moving past it all and renew his status as one of the most dominant guards in the league.
He is still capable of pulling off that feat, but will have to put it on hold for at least the next month or so after suffering yet another unexpected setback, from K.C. Johnson of Chicago Tribune:
Derrick Rose caught an accidental elbow to his face halfway through Hoiberg’s first session and left for tests that revealed a left orbital fracture. The team said Rose, who turns 27 Sunday, will undergo surgery at Rush University Medical Center on Wednesday. A timetable for his return will be determined after the procedure.
Absences following surgery for orbital fractures have run the gamut recently with players missing anywhere from five to 28 games. Whatever the case, Rose’s injury piles on top of Mike Dunleavy’s back surgery last Friday. Dunleavy’s rehabilitation process could sideline the veteran forward eight to 10 weeks.
Suddenly, 40 percent of Hoiberg’s projected starting lineup will miss most, if not all, of training camp. A source said there is optimism Rose will be ready for the Oct. 27 regular-season opener against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
The good news is that it happened at the very beginning of training camp, which gives him time to heal before the games begin. Still, the string of terrible luck continues for Rose, who at least has the support of plenty from around the league:
Damn D Rose, speedy recovery. It’s funny to me that people actually think it’s funny though.
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) September 29, 2015
The hardest challenge for an athlete after orbital fracture is adjusting to the mask and overcoming the fear of being hit again.
— Tim S. Grover (@ATTACKATHLETICS) September 29, 2015
RT @RealDealBeal23: DRose ????????
— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) September 29, 2015
The challenge for Rose wearing a mask: Hard to see, difficult to breath, and you sweat profusely. Also a conditioning and timing setback.
— Tim S. Grover (@ATTACKATHLETICS) September 29, 2015
Smh d rose just can’t catch a break Thts all bad
— Marquis Teague (@marquisteague25) September 29, 2015
It’s messed up because Ik how hard bro work..
— Marquis Teague (@marquisteague25) September 29, 2015
Had the same surgery D Rose, ditch the mask and opt for the cool shades. Speedy recovery my friend. #GoingForGold pic.twitter.com/Ve4WELsXPp
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) September 29, 2015
I feel sad for D Rose. Surgery now after first day. This is why I say stay humble and know when to talk to media and how. @SiriusXMNBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) September 29, 2015
Praying for a speedy recovery for the young fella @drose
— ReggieEvans30 (@ReggieEvans30) September 30, 2015
So much for talking ab his 2017 free agency. D Rose to have surgery after his first day of practice. #Bulls #NBA . @ESPNNBA
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) September 30, 2015
Social media is terrible nowadays..All I see is people with injuries getting bashed. Speedy recovery @drose , this game misses you for sure
— Derrick Williams (@DWXXIII) September 30, 2015
True! https://t.co/NxDUB3maaW
— Omri Casspi (@Casspi18) September 30, 2015
Speedy recovery @drose !!
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) September 30, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.