Strong words from Derrick Rose

This is the full scope of what Derrick had to say after the Bulls’ 38-point loss in Orlando on Saturday night (via Chicago Press Release Services):

“We know that if we start off and our offense isn’t there, our defense has to be even better. After we came in to the locker room, I told everybody, ‘No matter what, we still have to fight.’ Our defense should never go anywhere. Our offense is going to have our on and off nights, but defensively, that’s when you’ve got to push harder. It’s a learning experience. I told the guys, ‘Never again.’ People will get cursed out, whatever. We’ve just got to ball, dog. Tonight, we didnt ball. We didn’t show any fight and that’s what’s going to happen when you go out there unprepared.”

Rose’s assessment is right on the money. That really was the most disappointing aspect of that ugly loss: the lack of effort and intensity shown by the Bulls. They basically just rolled over…and nobody wants to see that happen.

This is where leaders have to step up. Rose is saying the right things. I hope his teammates are listening.