Derrick Rose has been the talk of Team USA basketball this summer. Coaches, teammates, fans and media have all been constantly raving about how well Rose has played as the team is preparing for the FIBA World Cup.
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But, things aren’t going as well for Rose as many think, according to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops. The NBA writer is reporting that Rose is not a lock to make the final 12-man roster.
"Knee soreness kept Derrick Rose out of practice Tuesday, making it the third straight day he has not played any basketball. And that left Team USA officials wondering whether Rose will be capable of handling the rigorous World Cup schedule.(…)Cousins and Rose are close to being certainties. But they are NOT locks.(…)Rose has looked good but not great in practices, team insiders told me. He received a warm welcome in Chicago and showed flashes of his former brilliance, but the fact is not lost on the federation that his health remains a question mark after injuries to each of his knees limited him to just 10 games over the past two NBA seasons."
There’s certainly reason for plenty of skepticism about Sheridan’s report here. It goes against all the overwhelming public praise of Rose and many not only believe Rose is a lock to make the team, but that he’s also a favorite to start for Team USA, such as ESPN’s Marc Stein.
"Rose is one of five projected starters for Team USA’s upcoming trip to the FIBA World Cup in Spain alongside Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kenneth Faried and Anthony Davis. The Americans open group play in Bilbao with an Aug. 30 game against Finland."
Despite Sheridan’s report, Team USA cutting Rose would be a stunning move.