Derrick Rose has returned to the Bulls following surgery to fix an orbital fracture, but that doesn’t mean he’s back to full health quite yet. Rose is still dealing with some of the side effects from the injury, which is why he might miss the rest of the preseason action and even the opener against the Cavs. One side-effect has apparently been double vision.
Not to worry, though. Chicago’s point guard might not be able to see well when both eyes are open, but with just one eye it’s a different story.
Rose: "I can’t open my other eye. That’s when I get double vision. But with one eye open, I think I could play pretty good."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 15, 2015
If this seems a bit dramatic, well, just take a look at Rose shooting around.
Rose left eye clearly still swollen. Shooting well with a squint. pic.twitter.com/Yyy9c4v8YG
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) October 14, 2015
Not easy to see that basket. pic.twitter.com/u49Yaw1hua
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) October 14, 2015
Not the prettiest thing, right? Turns out it actually takes a long time to fully recover from getting your face broken. The Bulls are going to be extra cautious with Rose, so even though he said he can play with one eye open (which would severely limit his court vision, obviously), he probably won’t play until the double vision goes away.
It’s a rough break for the Bulls, but not devastating. The Eastern Conference is weak enough that the Bulls can afford to wait until Rose is absolutely ready to play. If they start off poorly, they’ll have ample time to make up ground. They’re a near-lock for the playoffs, and won’t need Rose to be at full strength until the jockeying for playoff position starts later in the season.
