A Rose by any Other Name Would Not Be Derrick Rose
By Alexander Pancoe
Despite returning to basketball at the FIBA World Cup, the Derrick Rose of old has yet to show his face. Most of us are asking a much bigger question, however: will he be any good come late October?
Perhaps to diffuse concerns regarding his post-injury game, Rose recently boasted that he spent time in the off-season tweaking his jumper. While adjustments to his technique certainly matter, it certainly hasn’t improved his production at the rim. Not by a long shot.
U.S. National Team head coach Mike Krzyzewski even takes note of Rose’s good intentions, but, like us, wants to see the former MVP back to form.
It’s possible Rose doesn’t (and shouldn’t) trust his knees just yet. We understand why he’d say “fool me once” and take a supporting role in this tournament. Regardless, questions persist about his play. One or two games may not prove much one way or the other, but a breakout performance would silence his detractors. Rose is long overdue for one.
Though his less-than-stellar FIBA stats say otherwise, Rose remains confident that his moment of truth is just around the corner. And who really knows? One thing is certain, NBA fans will continue to watch. Chicago fans – all of us – will continue to hope. For more, go here.