Rose has played in just 50 games over the past three seasons.
Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has insisted that the organisation are not concerned that Derrick Rose’s on-going injury problems will effect free agents.
With the point guard playing in only 50 games over the past three seasons due to various injuries, including two major knee surgeries, Rose’s health has been suggested as a possible obstacle for the Bulls in recruiting big names.
Aside from the financial terms, Rose’s status will be a key area for interested players, who will want to know whether or not the franchise player will be able to significantly contribute and help them win a championship if they are to join forces.
The Bulls are expected to meet with New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, among others, when the free agency period begins on July 1.
However, Thibodeau is certain that Rose’s status will not be a major issue when it comes to trying to recruit their targets.
“Not really,” Thibodeau said during ESPN 1000’s NBA draft show Thursday night.
“In the NBA, injuries are part of it. And most guys go through a period in their own career when they’re injured. It’s adversity that you have to get past and get over and most of these guys have done that, so I don’t think that’s going to be a big deal. I think they’re going to see Derrick and they’re going to know that he is healthy.”
While Bulls general manager Gar Forman echoed those sentiments, both men remain hopeful that Rose will feature in the NBA Summer League ahead of joining up with Team USA for the World Cup in Spain later this summer.
Meanwhile, having drafted Doug McDermott on Thursday night in the NBA Draft 2014 in a trade deal with the Denver Nuggets that was designed to help with cap relief, the Bulls appear to be preparing for a major run at signing Anthony in the coming days.
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