“Nothing to see here. Move along.”
Okay, that’s not a direct quote from Chicago Bulls owner/chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, but it’s pretty close to what he said in a statement refuting a Chicago Sun-Times report that there is tension between Derrick Rose (and his inner circle) and the Bulls front office. In that story Rose pretty much confirmed there have been issues, particularly regarding how they felt he could have done more to recruit Carmelo Anthony (and that he did put an effort into recruiting Pau Gasol).
Here is Reinsdorf’s statement, via Aggrey Sam of the CSN Chicago.com.
“I am confounded by the irresponsible report in the Chicago Sun-Times suggesting there is anything approaching discord or confusion between the Bulls executive office, coaching staff, and Derrick Rose or any other Bulls player. To the contrary, I can remember no time when the organization has been any more focused, optimistic, and cohesive,” Reinsdorf wrote. “I’ve got to assume suggestions otherwise are intended to undermine the goals and objectives, spirit, and reputation of the Chicago Bulls. I am deeply disappointed that unnamed sources and totally inaccurate statements and assumptions can be used to foment nonexistent friction. The report is totally without basis or fact. It is pure malicious fiction.”
Total fiction. Except for the part of that report where Rose said there has been tension.
So what is the story, is there tension between Rose’s camp and the Bulls? Most likely, that’s not some new rumor around the league. There’s tension between a number of star players and their teams. Has been for many years.
In this case it all stems more from Rose being sidelined with injuries for much of the last two seasons (he has played just 10 games total the past two seasons) and just the frustrations that grow out of that. Rose has long resisted recruiting, thinking he shouldn’t have to pull someone into the locker room, they should walk in willingly.
Then again, he clearly wanted to play with Gasol and made the effort there.
This is a situation where winning can cure all ills — Rose comes back, the Bulls got off to a hot start next season and all of this will be forgotten. At least until they lose a couple games in a row.
