To celebrate becoming an official member of Team USA, Derrick Rose helped lead his new team to an 87-59 exhibition win over Greece. Rose — who started at the point guard spot — finished with 13 points (6-for-7 from the field, 1-for-2 from downtown), 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and zero turnovers in 19 minutes of action.
And did I mention he was named player of the game?
In addition to the ultra-efficient O, Rose has been playing hyper-aggressive D. As Doug Thonus of ChicagoNow wrote: “What impresses me most about Rose and his team USA experience is his improved defense. Coach K has challenged Rose to become a disruptive defender, and given Rose’s length and athleticism that’s the type of defender he can play in the NBA as well. Derrick is playing physical, attacking defense. He’s generating steals and looks in the open court.”
That has to make new Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau pretty excited.
Seriously, Rose’s “How To Become A Superstar” checklist includes: a) develop three-point shot, b) earn more free throws, and c) become a better defender. As far as we can tell, Rose has addressed a) and c) over the summer. And let’s not forget how impressive he’s been on a team of NBA stars. He closed out Spain and he was named Team USA’s best player against Greece.
Memo to all NBA teams regarding the 2010-11 season and beyond:
Beware Derrick Rose.
D Rose is approaching basketball as a professional, identifying his weaknesses and addressing them with hard work. He now clearly understands that championship basketball requires defense and he has begun to include that in his game. If he truely has improved his mid & long range jumper he will be very close to earning the label “super-star”. Right now he has proven that he is an “all-star”. He has demonstrated that he has the force of will to inspire a team, and the players around him have improved significantly. Look out NBA, here comes D Rose and the Bulls…
If he keeps working on those 3 weaknesses he could very well end up being a superstar by the time this season is done. I absolutely love his work ethic and you said it boppinbob, he’s a professional. He’s not content to lounge around in the offseason. This will be what makes him a superstar when his draft counterpart, Beasley, will never be one. Sure makes all those conversations about who the Bulls should pick a joke now. 😀
D RoSe is a superstar not soon or may be in the future today and for many years to come he is a superstar, he is already an elite guard in the NBA but now I put hm as elite in the world also his performance yesterday just solidifies any rumors to weather he can lead and still be a scorer yet now he will be faced with one of the games biggest challenges in the Miami three that is a big task yet I am comfident he will come out of it smelling like A Rose Notice to the Nba and anyone else that did not think this kid was the real deal stats don’t lie nor does coach K who he has done more than just catch his eye that is why he is now starting the trip to being a winner and an elite player is to be consistant and D rose has showed me he is willing to put the work in to get the results of a winner and he is consistant at that get ready Nba I know we here in Chicago are its gonna be one heck of a year and many more to come fully loaded with action. I will say thank you now to D ROSE mom and DAD for letting him be the young man he is today and being one of our very own from CHi . Peace
I just have to say that Rose is the best basketball player I could hope to cheer for. We’re truely lucky to have this guy in our city. Think of all the stars that could have landed here. VERY few of them would be as pleasant to cheer for as Rose. With his humbleness, consistent upward trend in skills, and work ethic to get better, it’s no wonder his jersey sales sky-rocketed last year even without superstar numbers. He is what he is, a rose that grew from concrete.
man at this rate I say he could be in superstar status by mid season. nothing but great things has been coming from D Rose all summer long. From claiming that he wants to be a Bull for life, improving his three pointer, becoming an aggressive defender and having good, early communication with coach Thibs….Good stuff. Kid def makes the city proud…
Thank you for posting about this – to read ESPN you’d think Rose is just another bench warmer. I’m getting a little worn out with the East Coast Bias going on over there. I’m starving for Bulls news during these “Dog Days” so being able to watch Rose play for USA is terrific. However, he’s gotten little acknowledgement from ESPN with Durant getting the lion’s share. I know, Durant is a terrific player too but when Rose is closing out games and getting MVP honors I think he deserves a little more cred.
Exhibit A: . . . “he seems genuinely stoked to be a part of his first trip overseas for an international tournament.”
– Just happy to be there?
Exhibit B: . . . “http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=TeamUSA-Greece”
– Other than a quote from Rose, this is the only mention he gets.
Maybe I’m just being a Homer?
I’ve been saying this to my friends all summer. I think LeBron made a mistake by joining Wade even if he was hoping to join up with the best player — Rose is going to be better than Wade within two years.
LeBron made a mistake picking Wade over Rose fersure.
Rose is capable of leading a team or running the offense and setting up James.
When it’s all said and done, James will be right up there with KG, a guy who needed two other players and a new team to win a title.
Rose has a chance to be the guy who came to town and lead his city/franchise to a title.
wow i jus seen the stats that Luol Deng put up in the playoffs against the now lebron less Cleveland Cavaliers in the 5 games and 5 starts 40.6mins 18.8pts 1.6off 3.4def 5.0tot not outstanding rebound #’s but thats because Joakim Noah was goin crazy on the boards… 1.4ast 1.20stl 0.80blk witch is basically a block…
Now with Carlos Boozers #’s as well as D-rose and Joakim’s… Their going to be just as hard to stop in the playoffs as the Heat, Celtics, and Lakers…
P.S lets face it everybody knows the magic and hawks arent goin to do anything in the East this year… Lets go bulls…
Matt,
How about a post on the “Jordan Rides the Bus” 30 for 30 documentary????
Funny thing about KG, he was considered a great player but his value skyrocketed after he won a chip. He became an even better player in people’s eyes.
Rose has been working on his game all summer and it shows. He seems to be more comfortable in the 1 spot. Can’t wait for the season to begin.
ANd lets not forget how great felow Team USA player ROndo has playe……………………OOOPS thats right Rondo got cut. I feel for Celtic fans having to watch their PG get owned easily by D Rose every time the two teams play. Heck no one on the Celtics can stop Rose as they couldn’t even stop him in Rose’s rookie yr.