Fansided

Derrick Rose: Victor Oladipo is a ‘big-time talent’

By Andrew Melnick

Apr 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The biggest story of Team USA’s training camp has been Chicago Bulls’ point guard Derrick Rose, who has been very impressive according to anyone you ask. Rose, of course, has played in just 49 games over the last three seasons. He appeared in just 39 games in the 2011-2012 season after being named MVP in the 2010-2011 season. After tearing his ACL in the 2012 postseason, Rose missed the entire 2012-2013 season. He played in just 10 games last season before again going out for the season.

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Rose likely appreciates all of the praise and had kind words of his own for Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo, according to John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com.

"From Chicago star point guard Derrick Rose, who looked on in amazement last January when Oladipo pumped in 35 points, eight assists and three steals: “He’s a great player already. I love how he plays and he plays with so much confidence. He totally deserves to be up here (with team USA) and I’m already a big fan of his. I love how he takes the game so serious.“I’m here for him if he ever needs me,’’ Rose said after hearing that Oladipo hopes to pick his brain during his time with USA Basketball. “I know how serious he takes it. He’s such a talent with his size, what he can do on the floor and how he reads opponents, especially defensively. He’s a big-time talent.’’"

Rose averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 31.1 minutes per game while shooting 35.4% from the field, 34.0% from beyond the arc and 84.4% from the free throw line this season. In his career, he has averaged 20.8 points, 6.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.0% from the field, 31.2% from three and 81.5% from the charity stripe.

Oladipo, the number two overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting. Oladipo averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, 32.7% from beyond the arc and 78.0% from the charity stripe.

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