Commentary: Derrick Rose: The NBA’s latest polarizing figure

Derrick Rose has become a polarizing figure in the Windy City, where blustery reports of the demise of the Chicago Bulls’ point guard continue to swirl.

Should the former MVP -- that’s right, remember he was considered the best player in the NBA in the 2010-11 season, when he led the Bulls to a 62-20 record -- take more time off to rest his surgically repaired body?

That’s what Chicago Tribune columnist David Haugh has recommended.

Haugh points out that Rose, who has missed eight of 15 games this season, never helps himself with his explanations of sometimes uninspired play.

“Offensively, I just felt like I couldn’t get to where I wanted to go, and defensively, just the speed of the game, I just wasn’t ready for it fatigue-wise,” Rose told reporters. “I’m just trying to be smart.”

Though we’re often taught to work smart, not hard, it’s quite different when you’re a professional athlete. They have to try to do both.

But Haugh is of the opinion that it’s time to get Rose some needed rest now so he can grind out the rest of the season.

“Send Derrick Rose home for Thanksgiving and shut him down until Christmas,” Haugh wrote. “Yes, I mean this Christmas -- not the one in 2015. However, I can’t confirm if either Adidas or Rose’s handlers have ruled out a 13-month hiatus.”

Good one. Looks like they’re headed for some not-so-happy holidays in Chicago.