Derrick Rose has participated in full contact practices with the Chicago Bulls and there have not been any reported setbacks. This is extremely positive news, especially for those that have been stashing the star Point Guard away since their fantasy draft. Although there is no official timetable for his return, even the most conservative analysts believe that Rose will return to the lineup after the All-Star break on February 19th.
The question is whether you should trade for him, or if Rose is currently on your roster, whether you should trade him away? It primarily depends on you current place in the standings. If you have solidified your spot in the playoffs, you should seriously consider proposing a trade to acquire Derrick Rose, especially if the person that rosters Rose is struggling in the win-losses category. Considering that the earliest that fantasy playoffs would begin is the week of February 25th, Rose will already have had at least one week to return to form.
Not withstanding ‘max-games’ leagues, stashing a player like Rose on the bench significantly reduces your chances to win on a week-to-week basis because you are often playing 3-4 games less a week than your opponent. If you offer mid-tier players, you may be surprised what he or she would accept for a player that has not suited up once this season.
If you are a Derrick Rose owner and you a few spots out of the playoffs, I would recommend trading him because you will not get help from until for the next 2 crucial weeks. It would be pointless to hold on to him and miss the fantasy playoffs as Derrick Rose will help you win the points and assists categories, but merely in the consolation rounds.
On January 31st, I took my own advice in my main fantasy basketball league, so I am really anxious to see if my gamble works out. I traded away Darren Collison and Gerald Wallace for Derrick Rose and Derrick Favors. On paper, it appears to be a one-sided trade as All-Star Derrick Rose is far superior than the inconsistent Darren Collison, while Favors has better averages than Wallace in points, rebounds and blocks this season. However, this trade was accepted because my opponent is on the bubble right now in terms of making the fantasy playoffs in our league and he needs immediate production from all of his players. On the other hand, I currently sit third overall in a 14-team league, so my focus is on the fantasy playoffs beginning in four weeks.
Acquiring an injured player in exchange for active, productive players is never a guarantee to work, but you are fortunate enough to have already clinched a playoff berth, it is something to seriously consider. There is always a big risk when a player returns from a serious injury, but if we have learned anything from NFL stars Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning this year, I am going to take my chances that one of the top athletes in the world will return to his dominating ways, among the fantasy elite.
Written by Justin Hasan exclusively for WinMyFantasyLeague.com
Comment below or e-mail him at JHas@WinMyFantasyLeague.com
