Kobe Bryant‘s longevity, and frankly his stubbornness, are things Derrick Rose greatly admires and hopes to emulate throughout his own NBA career.
The 2011 League MVP marvels that Bryant “didn’t change his game at all” for two decades.
Rose, 31, has focused on modestly adapting his style of play to stay relevant in the ever-evolving NBA.
Per The Detroit News:
Rose, 31, has tried to maintain his key strengths, speed and quickness, while working to add new pieces to his game.
“I’m not a jump shooter — I’m just a scorer. Whatever you give me, I’ll take it. I knew that having a jump shot prolongs your career. The older you get, you adapt to the game and that’s all I’m trying to do now,” he said. “If the game goes back to all lay-ups and midrange, I want to be able to do what Kobe (Bryant) did. He’s my example and the guy I look to and make sure I don’t change my game all the way.
“He didn’t change his game at all, but he was able to play 20 years and still be effective. That’s amazing to me. There aren’t too many people in NBA history, besides the greats, who can do that. I want to be considered one of them.”
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