Derrick Rose’s limited Team USA role not due to physical issues
By Bryan Rose
While Chicago Bulls fans were understandably excited to see Derrick Rose return to the court this offseason, there was some concern considering his previous injuries.
More from Chicago Bulls
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- 3 players Bulls can sign with Disabled Player Exception
- NBA free agency: The 3 biggest losers in this offseason so far
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
Things started off promising enough as Rose looked to be his normal self, though the point guard began to miss practice and understandably there was mounting worry regarding his health. However, his lack of playing time for Team USA has little to do with his oft-injured self but more of a fit on the roster says Hoops Rumors.
"Derrick Rose will be coming off the bench for Team USA, but the point guard and Team USA officials have insisted his limited role and rest patterns are about team fit and precaution, not physical concerns. Bulls fans certainly hope that is the case, and that the explosive Rose won’t be limited in any way when he returns to Chicago’s starting lineup for the 2014/15 season."
It’s difficult to tell what the truth is here. The fact that Derrick Rose has missed some practice time is obviously of concern, though he’s still in the early portion of his return and the smart move would be to be cautious. On the flip side, when healthy Derrick Rose is among the world elite and presumably a focal point of Team USA.
Of course, we’ve also seen talent like Damian Lillard sent home because there wasn’t enough room on the roster and given the All-Star lineup being ran out by Team USA, it’s understandable that not everybody is going to be given extended playing time.
For now it seems as if we need to take Team USA’s word.