It's been a long time coming (again).
Derrick Rose's latest Bulls comeback from a serious knee injury took flight Monday night at the United Center with the preseason opener against Washington.
Sure, sneaking off to the bar during work to watch Rose play in the FIBA World Cup was fun (it's OK, you can tell us), but it's not the same as seeing him in a Bulls uniform.
That said, it's not enough for Rose to simply show up. Fans want to see the dynamic Derrick Rose. The 44-points-in-a-playoff-game Derrick Rose. The OH MY GOD THE GIF OF THAT PLAY WILL BREAK THE INTERNET Derrick Rose.
So how explosive did things get? Let's find out.
19:30 before tipoff: Rose is shown on the scoreboard stretching in the hallway. A few fans clap. OK, so he's not doing much.
How explosive? 1 out of 5
15:00 before tipoff: Rose dribbles behind the back and between his legs on his first layup during pregame drills. The fancy footwork draws at least one enthusiastic "WOO!" from the crowd.
How explosive? 1.5 out of 5
Pregame introductions: Although the United Center is only about half full, those in attendance are mighty loud when Rose springs out of his seat and onto the floor, igniting the season's first chants of "MVP! MVP!"
How explosive? 3 out of 5
11:42 left in the first: Rose gets a slightly extended ovation just for grabbing a routine rebound.
How explosive? 2 out of 5
11:28 left in the first: Going left to right through the lane, Rose elevates off his left foot and banks home the layup.
How explosive? 3 out of 5
10:03 left in the first: Rose accelerates through the lane, makes a hard stop, elevates off both feet and scores with the right hand.
How explosive? 3.5 out of 5
8:57 left in the first: This has nothing to do with Rose, but it had to be mentioned. After Washington's Paul Pierce clubs Jimmy Butler on the chin, Joakim Noah exchanges words with Pierce and they almost come to blows. Has the postseason started and no one told us?
How explosive? 4 out of 5
7:32 left in the first: Rose drains a 3 like it's no big deal. As it should be. Though it has to feel good after the poor shooting he showed with Team USA.
How explosive? 3 out of 5 (See what we did there?)
7:01 left in the first: Oh, man, this is what the fans have longed to see again. Rose takes a feed at midcourt from Pau Gasol, races through the teeth of the defense and gently lays it home with his left hand. It's harder than it looks, folks.
How explosive? 4.5 out of 5
Rest of the game: Rose does play in the second quarter but sits the entire second half. He finishes with 11 points and four rebounds in 13:51 of playing time. He looks bored at the far end of the bench. Which is fine, because he's still OK!