Derrick Rose: Mental Injury

When you hear the word "injury," what comes to mind?  For most people, images of some sort of physical harm probably comes to mind.  Injury is defined as damage or harm done to or suffered by a person or thing.  Does that include mental harm or damage?  I would argue that it does. In my profession, I analyze mental injuries to claimants all the time.  Psychological injuries can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental well being. 
  
Derrick Rose was cleared by the Chicago Bulls in March to participate in NBA games. Yet, despite this clearance, he has not played a single minute for the Chicago Bulls.  Some argue that he has a duty to the organization, and his fans to play because he has been "cleared" to do so.  I disagree.  Derrick Rose is not a regular player; he is a franchise player.  He is the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.  He is different.  He suffered a gruesome knee injury about one year ago.  If he comes back too quickly and suffers another injury, his career could be derailed permanently.  It is just not worth it.

Psychological injuries must be understood and respected.  People too often disregard the importance of a person's psyche.  I would argue that a person's mental health is just as important as their physical health in certain circumstances.  Sure, Derrick Rose has the physical abilities to dominate at the highest level of basketball.  But, attributing his success solely to physical talent and ignoring the obvious psychological component results in misguided rationale.  

Let's take a quick look at Derrick Rose's game.  His game is predicated on speed, power, and explosiveness.  Without those components of his game, he would not be the player he is today.  An athlete like Rose has complete trust in his body and his ability to do certain things.  For instance, he knows he can drive hard to the left, then stop abruptly, and change directions.  He knows he can plant his right leg into the ground, then pivot and explode for a dunk.  The fact that he does not have to think about these things happening means everything.  Now, insert an injury and he has to think about so many different things.  Can I do dunk without pain?  Can I take a charge?  Am I capable of doing the things I did before my injury?  Although some may argue that thinking is an important part of the game, I would argue that for a player like Rose, his natural instincts are probably more important.  Therefore, if he is forced to overanalyze his moves because of injury, his effectiveness will decrease exponentially.   


Peace