Stage 1: Denial.
“This…this can’t be happening. Not to Derrick. Not now. He’s already missed so many games. He’s hardly played in months. His body should be healthy and rested. And how could he have possibly been hurt making a jump stop? He’s done that, like, a million times. He didn’t even get touched on the play.”
Stage 2: Anger.
“Why Derrick? This isn’t fair! Why was he even in the game? What was Tom Thibodeau thinking?!”
Stage 3: Bargaining.
“Maybe he’s not hurt that badly. Maybe it’s just a hyper-extension or a sprain. Maybe he’ll only miss a couple games.”
Stage 4: Depression.
“Torn ACL? Out for the season? It’s over. It’s all over. The team’s playoff run is finished. I’m so bummed out I don’t think I can even watch the rest of their playoff games. There’s no point anyway.”
Stage 5: Acceptance.
“Okay. Derrick’s gone for now. But the team played without him for a large part of the season…and they kept winning. They may not win a championship, but if they do go down, these Bulls will go down fighting. There’s still basketball to be played.”