Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose ‘ready to be Derrick’
Chicago Bulls’ point guard Derrick Rose has appeared in just 49 regular season games in three seasons since being named MVP. Rose’s knee injuries have derailed his career and he is attempting his latest comeback during the FIBA World Cup. He has struggled thus far in the tournament but has showed signs of playing like his old self lately.
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According to Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Rose is “ready to be Derrick.”
Marc Stein of ESPN.com, who spoke to Krzyzewski, has the scoop.
"“It’s kind of a stark contrast really,” Krzyzewski said of the rim-attacking Rose he saw against Slovenia compared to the tentative player who converted only 8 of 37 shots from the floor in Team USA’s first six games in Spain.“We believe in Derrick, ” Krzyzewski said. “And I think the lid came off or the jar was open or whatever you want to say. He had his look.”“You could see in his face he was different,” Krzyzewski continued. “And I’m glad. I think this starts the journey back to being who he is. And I think it’ll happen.”"
That’s good news for the Bulls and for Team USA – they’ll take on Lithuania on Thursday in the semifinals and will likely see Spain (although they will have to defeat France and Serbia first) in the finals Sunday.
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 in 10 games last season 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.
Need more on the FIBA World Cup? Check out FanSided’s official FIBA World Cup page. Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.