I don't feel at my best unless I have the fresh cut.
Doesn't matter if it's a big corporate meeting or taking a woman out on a date; if my ears have not been sufficiently lowered, then I'm self-conscious about it. I might not show it, but I am.
When the Chicago Bulls were closing the show against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon, Derrick Rose was playing at his usual MVP-level. He was closing in on a triple-double, with the Bulls in cruise control and Rose out there knocking off the rust on his game that had been on the shelf due to a groin injury.
Then, it happened.
You don't need me to give you the color commentary, even if you were watching the NFL draft Adam Schefter alerted you to what happened: Derrick Rose blew his knee to smithereens. Rose's ACL was gone. I've played and watched sports long enough to know when it happens and, instantly, everything changed.
Now, the Chicago Bulls will virtually have no chance at winning the NBA title this season.
Now, the Boston Celtics will have every chance in the world to get to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Now, the Miami Heat will have every chance in the world to get to the NBA Finals.
Now, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have every chance in the world to win the world championship.
Ed's Note: Yes, I know these are all hypotheticals. Consider this my form of wishful thinking. Thunder Up.
The problem is that, subconsciously, those teams will know that they could've faced the Chicago Bulls with Derrick Rose, and the outcome could be decidedly different. Rose and the Bulls are that good.
This won't make the banner any less pretty, won't make the trophy any less shiny, and it won't make the ring any less blingy.
You just wish the Chicago Bulls had that fresh cut for the playoffs.
Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”