Okay, so that’s not exactly vintage Derrick Rose. And most might not even consider this an actual dunk, either. But the 2011 MVP’s current comeback is all about baby steps, and that he’s already jumping comfortably – during a back-to-back, no less – off the leg in which he had surgery six weeks is very encouraging.
For the record, we’re pretty confident in calling this a slam. Rose was absolutely up high enough to throttle the rim here, but decided for a simpler and safer two points. Remember how Kobe Bryant said in the fall that his game would be different this season following another leg injury? The Chicago Bulls star’s approach is certainly similar, and plays like the above are the most obvious manifestation of that adjustment. It’s just not worth the risk for Rose to throw down with aplomb anymore.
Congratulations, then, to the 26 year-old on his fifth dunk of the season. Here’s hoping he has the opportunity for many more come the playoffs and seasons to come.
Still restricted by a minutes limit, Rose scored six points on 3-0f-6 shooting during his first quarter stint against the Miami Heat. Chicago leads Erik Spoelstra’s desperate team 26-24 early in the second quarter.
[Vine via Chicago Bulls]
