Derrick Rose on if he can dominate NBA: Oh, hell yeah

Nov 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 97-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 97-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

To say Derrick Rose has struggled during the FIBA World Cup would be an understatement.

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Not only has the Chicago Bulls star been woeful with his shot (he’s shooting nearly 20 percent), mental miscues have haunted the former NBA MVP. That’s to be expected of course as Derrick Rose hasn’t played more than a handful of games during the past two seasons thanks to multiple knee injuries.

Alas, shaking the rust off after missing one season is hard enough but missing two obviously makes the challenge of returning even more difficult.

Still, it’s something that Derrick Rose believes he’ll be able to do as the former Memphis Tiger was somewhat appalled when asked if he’ll be able to return to form and dominate.

“Oh, hell yeah; c’mon, man,” Rose said. “I’m definitely ready for that. But right now, I don’t have to, so what’s the need?”

While Rose’s game has been underwhelming during the tournament his confidence has not. The Chicago Bulls point guard has routinely expressed belief in himself and despite struggles doesn’t seem to be getting overly down on his play, at least from a public standpoint.

At this point it’s difficult to know if Rose’s struggles are simply related to being off a basketball court (at least in terms of game action) for two years or if there’s something more to it. The fact that he’s having problems with the mental aspect of the game (unforced turnovers, etc) seems to suggest Rose is just trying to get his feet wet again.