HoopsHype recently posted a great interview with Derrick Rose. If you’re a Bulls fan, or just a D-Rose fan, it’s a must-read. And, heck, considering how the lockout has choked off the NBA news feed lately, it’s probably a must-read for any pro basketball enthusiast.
Here are the parts of the interview that really caught my attention:
On whether he’ll play overseas:
“I’m staying. I don’t play pickup basketball. I’m working out in Los Angeles right now. I haven’t taken into consideration yet playing overseas. Right now, if I do think about it, the Euroleague is definitely an option I would consider. I would have to talk to my agents and make sure that everything is OK, but I’m hoping right now there’s a season.”
My take: Derrick is keeping his options open, which makes sense, but it doesn’t sound like he’s keen on playing overseas. It seems like he ‘s more interested in preparing for the next NBA season. Whenever that is. Speaking of which…
On how he’s preparing for next season:
“Well, it’s the first time I ever lifted weight besides college. I think that’s gonna help me evolve my game. I know it’s going to be hard because I really don’t like lifting like that, but I’ll do anything to win, anything to get that advantage. Benching, squats, sit-ups, push-ups… Everything you can think of, I’m doing it right now on one-hour sessions from Monday to Friday. I’m on the court from like 8.30 to 9.30, then go home, sleep till like 1 and then I go to my conditioning. … Just trying to be consistent, be sharp and work on my post-up game.”
Derrick is already (in my opinion) the strongest and most explosive point guard in the Association. And now he’s getting even stronger? No doubt he’ll be adding the official 15 pounds of muscle that Lang Whitaker likes to write about. Anyway, a stronger D-Rose should be a pretty scary prospect for the unfortunate people who get stuck defending him.
It’ll be interesting to see how his post game comes along…and how many post up plays coach Tom Thibodeau will call for him.
On how he feels about winning the 2010-11 MVP:
“It was great but I’m not satisfied. I won’t be satisfied until I win a championship. I’m not satisfied at all. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m not going to win a championship. I’m going win multiple championships. It’s not a doubt in my mind.”
Ugh. I love Rose’s confidence. I loved it last summer when he asked why he couldn’t be the MVP of the league and then went out and won the award. But predicting championships almost never works out very well. Just ask Patrick Ewing, who made an almost annual title prediction throughout the 1990s.
On whether the Bulls need to enhance the roster:
“Everybody is working out hard right now. If everyone comes in and work on their game, I think that we have a good shot of winning without getting anybody to come to my team. I think everything was just so new… Last year was my first time getting past the first round of the playoffs. Everything was just new to everybody, and that thing is gonna help us. Last year was the base for our team and the sky’s the limit for us.”
Notice how he said “we have a good shot of winning without getting anybody to come to my team”?
Anyway, I suppose that, in theory, the Bulls couldwin a championship as presently constructed. But there are several other championship-caliber teams out there, and the Bulls need to get a little more separation if they want to win it all. Another season of “Keith Bogans: Starting Shooting Guard” isn’t going to get it done.
Still, Rose is all about loyalty to his teammates. I’m sure he knows, in his heart, the team needs to make a few upgrades. But he’s got his teammates’ backs. Which is always important for a team leader.
love his confidence, but they need another solid player to get over the hump….sorry, this current roster is not championship material.
unless butler exceeds expectations……..
Butler’s playing overseas (Spain’s ACB), with an opt-out clause, via CSNChicago’s Aggrey Sam (@CSNBullsInsider).
BEN GORDON WHERE ARE YOU WHEN WE NEED YOU???
Ben Gordon is somewhere being inconsistent as always. Its funny how some people think Ben Gordon would of help. He plays no defense like Boozer, is a ball hoarder which wouldnt work with the current offense. If he was still with the Bulls, Derrick would be who he is now because Ben would still be shooting.
Ben Gordon is somewhere being inconsistent as always. Its funny how some people think Ben Gordon would of help. He plays no defense like Boozer, is a ball hoarder which wouldnt work with the current offense. If he was still with the Bulls, Derrick wouldnt be who he is now because Ben would still be shooting.
Am I the only one who thinks the Bulls, as currently constructed, can win the Championship? They were only a few 3 pointers away from winning the East, and I think their team defense would have destroyed the Mavs. The Bulls CAN win with their current roster. 1 more year to coalesce and learn Thibs defense even better + a healthier front court in the playoffs = Bulls Championship.
the above comment is mostly true. however, one good thing about Ben Gordon, despite being an undersized 2 that doesn’t play a ton of defense, is the fact that he could get his own shot off with ease. he could drop 30 in a game coming off the bench, and had phenomenal three point range.
while he wouldn’t be exactly what Chicago needs, i think Mr Bull was moreso referencing Gordon’s ability to get his own shot off as a primary need for the Bulls.
Bulls had 62 wins last year. You said 61 in that ESPN 5-on-5 and the editors missed it. Figured you’d never see it if I commented there.
Chicago already has another Jordan in D’Rose, but they need a shooting guard to return to that greatness they once had in the 90’s because miami is not going to go away after losing in the Finals to those boys from the BIG D. GO BULLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ehhhh…Chicago has another superstar. there will never be another Jordan.
Well whether Derrick Rose is another Jordan or not,but he will totally remind every Bulls fans of Jordan,especially when he starts winning NBA titles in the Windy City.GO BULLS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Brian on the Jordan thing. I think he’s the closest thing we got besides maybe Pippen. Who could have probably been just as good as Jordan if they didn’t play on the same team. And that’s what Rose needs. Rose needs a Pippen. Preferably SG because Bogans sucks.
What I like about him is that he has been confident from day one when he first entered the NBA. He reminds me of a young Allen Iverson minus the attitude and the chip on his shoulder.
Brian
Yeah you are right,his ability to get his own shot would really help us.
First off, THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JORDAN…He is the greatest to ever lace ’em up. Please stop comparing ballplayers to him…it’s just dumb. D-Rose will be a champion with the Bulls, but they do need a shooting guard that can score otherwise he won’t get it done. Even Mike couldn’t win by himself…
Hey guys, huge bulls fan here. Made an NBA lockout music video.
http://tinyurl.com/423r8da
Pft, Ben Gordon. The definition of “getting your own shot” is that it’s a good look. Not Ben Gordon dribbling back and forth for 15 seconds and then flinging up a wild, contested 3. No thanks. He can stay away.
so by that logic, Keith Bogans can get his own shot? y’know considering he gets plenty of open looks thanks to D-Rose. your logic is astounding.