Tom Thibodeau thinks Derrick Rose should get to the free throw line more

On Monday, Chicago Bulls’ point guard Derrick Rose admitted he isn’t playing well.

Rose is right.

Despite hitting the game-winning shot in an 82-81 victory over the New York Knicks Thursday night, Rose has struggled.

The former Memphis Tiger is averaging just 14.3 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game as the Bulls have gotten off to a 1-2 start. Rose is playing 33.7 minutes per game and is shooting a dreadful 28.8% from the field, 26.7% from beyond the arc and 90.0% from the free throw line.

However, Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau believes free throws are one of Rose’s biggest problems. He believes Rose isn’t getting to the free throw line enough.

“I’ll say this,” Thibodeau told Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago. “I don’t know anyone who drives as hard as he does, nor as fast as he does. I think sometimes he’s penalized for being a nice guy. I’ll leave it at that.”

Rose is only averaging 3.3 free throw attempts per game.

Rose is obviously upset about the lack of calls, but won’t discuss it because he doesn’t want to get fined.

The Bulls will next be in action Wednesday when they travel to Indiana to battle the Pacers.