Other than watching Derrick Rose play in a scrimmage game with fellow USA teammates back in the beginning of August, it has been quite some time since anyone has seen the point guard play in a meaningful contest.
After missing much of last season due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, Rose has been itching to show the world and his haters that he looks to be back and better than ever. He has also been showing off his long-range floater, and says his overall game has totally changed. Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago has the story:
Ready to show it off to Chicago again on Saturday. RT @ESPNChiBulls: Derrick Rose: ‘My game is totally different’ http://t.co/UfChi4Tznk
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) August 16, 2014
“My game is totally different,” Rose said. “When I came back last time, I was just trying to get in a groove. I think I felt a nice little groove. My confidence is high right now, and I think even playing in the game [Saturday] you’ll be able to see by the way that I attack the players defensively. And by the way I play offensively, just not rushing anything and just taking my time on pick and rolls and just letting the play develop.”
“I think every year you got to add something to your game,” Rose said. “Physically, you’re going to reach that peak where you could damn near do everything you want to on the floor and the game then becomes mentally. Right now, that mental part is my part of the game that I’m missing. That leadership being on the court, getting guys together, just knowing that it’s us against everyone when we’re on the floor.”
“For me, this is my chance to actually become a better leader,” Rose said. “Being more vocal in the locker room. Being more vocal on the floor. [Saturday] starts all that. It’s a huge journey for me. I’m not trying to shy away from it. I think it’s going to help me with the Bulls next season, and it’s going to help me have a better relationship with my teammates. Because I always have a good relationship, but being vocal and always talking to them I think it should be even better so I’m excited about it.”
Rose has always been a “quiet” leader on the court, meaning you rarely ever saw him get vocal, whether it was for his team or against his opponents. That he wants to grow and become better in that department shows his willingness to take on a true leadership role for the Chicago Bulls in the upcoming season. This is terrific news for the organization and the fans, who have been yearning to see their star rise from challenging injuries over the past couple of seasons.
For now, though, lets just see what he has in store for us in FIBA Basketball World Cup, starting with an exhibition game against Team Brazil in his hometown on Saturday.
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James Park is the chief blogger and deputy editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.