Derrick Rose says Matthew Dellavedova is ‘no matchup’
By Tom West
Derrick Rose may struggle to stay healthy, but he clearly isn’t lacking in confidence after putting down Matthew Dellavedova.
The Chicago Bulls kicked off their 2015-16 season in perfect fashion as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-95. To make their victory even sweeter, Pau Gasol dismissed LeBron James’ attempt at a game-tying layup with a powerful block. It was the perfect end to a perfect night if you’re a Bulls fan. Then, to round-off the day, Derrick Rose proved after the game that even though he can’t seem to stay healthy, he certainly isn’t lacking in confidence.
The 2011 NBA MVP and three-time All-Star made that entirely clear in a post-game interview, as he described his point guard contest against Matthew Dellavedova by saying “It’s no matchup.”
Derrick Rose on Matthew Dellavedova "It's no match-up" pic.twitter.com/awjm6enP2V
— Joshua Alfonzo Vinson (@TheJoshAVinson) October 28, 2015
It looked like it took Rose some effort just to prevent himself laughing towards the end of the interview when reporters asked what he thought of playing against Delly. He doesn’t always show a great deal of emotion, but he couldn’t stop himself smiling at what was actually meant as a genuine question. Especially after the Kyrie Irving backup proved himself in the playoffs as a surprisingly skillful and tough defender.
Obviously Rose thinks the talent comparison between him and the Cavs guard isn’t close. Yet, if the former is at least near full health (even if that’s a very rare occurrence), there’s no denying that he’s correct.
At least for the sake of Delly, Rose added that he thinks the Finals contestant and tenacious Australian point guard is “a great player.”
It’s always nice to remember Rose as the high-flying, hyper athletic game-changer that he was a few seasons ago, because that’s the player we still all want him to be. When he was healthy, he was one of the most terrifying and explosive point guards in NBA history. It’s just that simple. However, after only playing 51 games last season and 49 in the previous two seasons combined, Rose just hasn’t received enough playing time under his belt recently to be the clear-cut man to turn the Bulls into contenders.
With a stroke of luck and a lot of praying from Bulls fans everywhere, maybe that can change. Despite playing with a mask due to an orbital fracture (which slightly impaired his vision), Rose still recorded 18 points on 8-of-22 shooting. It’s not exactly efficient, but it’s not bad considering the circumstances of his health for a season opener.
If he can finally avoid any more serious knee and ankle injuries, maybe Derrick Rose can slowly come close to his All-Star self at some point this season.