Nick Friedell of ESPNCHicago writes:
“Derrick Rose will be the first Chicago Bull since Michael Jordan to start an NBA All-Star Game. Starters were announced Thursday for the Feb. 20 game to be played in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Rose joins fellow Chicago native Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat as the Eastern Conference’s starting backcourt. They will be joined in the East’s starting lineup by forwards LeBron James of the Heat and Amare Stoudemire of the New York Knicks. The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, the leading vote-getter in the conference with nearly 2.1 million will start at center.”
Chicago’s first All-Star starter since MJ. Man, it’s been a while.
It’s a great accomplishment for Rose, especially considering he’s not even the best player on his own team and in fact pales in comparison to Landry Fields. According to some people.
Said Rose (via statement): “I’m feeling really loved right now, and I appreciate all the support that helped me earn a starting position in the All-Star Game. I want to thank all the fans that voted, especially the people from my hometown of Chicago. I also want to give thanks to the Bulls organization that did a great job promoting me, and most of all I want to thank my teammates and coaches for putting me in this position.”
Of course, when pressed, he was his typical understated self.
Added Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau (but before the announcement): “I think it’s recognition for the job he’s done this year. All-Star Games, those are great, and he’s certainly earned it, but I’m concerned with what he’s done for our team. And he’s done a lot for the team. He’s lifted this team up. We still have a long way to go the second half of the season, so the test continues after the midpoint. But I’m happy for him.”
Rose may have needed the good news considering his recent back woes and the two stomach ulcers he’s been dealing with. No more spicy food, Derrick!
Loved that link about Rose not being the best on his team. Even better on their site was the link about who is and is not a clutch shooter; good to know that Holiday of the Sixers is better than Rose in the clutch.
Matt,
Articles like that, which I happened to read before knowing you posted a link on here are a joke. Landry Fields? Oh and Hollinger, another joke in my opinion. Why do so many people take PER like it actually means anything. According to Hollinger it is like gospel. Well it is not.
I love me some D-Rose…
…but what are the chances that his stomach ulcers are truly a result from ‘eating too much spicy food’?
There HAS to be more to this.
Stress? I know Rose is very happy the Bullies are winning and playing well together, but he has the whole weight of the team – and, essentially, the whole city of Chicago – resting on his shoulders. This is no small burden to handle. The pressures of Rose’s quick rise to the ranks of NBA elite, the loss of his two best players, dealing with constant MVP and contender talk…all while trying to stay grounded and modest? Who wouldn’t be stressed in Rose’s Adidases?
Painkillers? I know you can get ulcers from the acids of an excess of painkillers. Could Rose be loading up on too much aspirin too often for his own good? He takes a beating night in and night out, and we know his whole body is banged up. How does he make it through each game? Well…maybe now we know.
Feels great to be number 2 seed at least for one day. Honestly do not think we will be Orlando 2nite. So enjoy #2 seed for today
I enjoyed reading the blog that claimed that Rose is not even the best player in Chicago let alone at his position in the East. This is why I mercilessly mock the “Sabermaticians” that now track the NBA. If their thinkingis correct, then perhaps the great Bob Cousy was not as great as we all think he was in Boston. I generally have to watch NBA games before making a judgment call on a player. So far this month, Rose has made plays and taken over the game when needed down the stretch. Generally, for me, that defines an elite player. Especially during a long stretch of games, the marathon of the NBA season. Rose could have just relented in the Cavs game last week, but he took the game over when Cleveland pulled within two.
But hey, I guess the numbers don’t lie.
The hype is real and has been real here every since the bulls selected Derrick Rose number one just took some time for the rest of the world, to find out what we already knew here in chicago. Rose has earned every thing and has never cried or stood in the dark when his game was not as he thought it should be, this young man, is so humble yet so great that he has brought the life back to Chicago and yes we will never forget MJ but now we have D Rose and yes he too is special. Let us enjoy his game and his humility on and off the court. The ball finally dropped our way , its on in Da Chi again boys & girls ,Ladies & gents get yr popcorn ready and then some , he is only 22 and many years left let us hope they are all as good or great as he has had thus far gonna be one heck of a show enjoy it , as I know i am and will, D Rose for all he has done thus far deserves the MVP his efforts and game play nothing short of being an MVP.. Peace Go Bulls