Despite repeated assurances from Derrick Rose, NBA fans and media folks continue to express concern over the superstar point guard’s uninspired play for Team USA this summer.
Rose says he’s ready to put an end to his offensive struggles – he’s putting up just 4.5 points on 21.6 percent shooting in Team USA’s 6-0 start at the FIBA Basketball World Cup — and tries to assuage Chicago Bulls supporters that he’ll be hoisting up a lot more shots next season. Per the Chicago Tribune:
“I think I found it now, just changed one little thing,” Rose said. “But we’re winning so I’m not worried.” […] What did Rose change? […] “You’ll see (Tuesday),” he said playfully.
”Everybody is getting mad because I’m not shooting the ball more. That’s strange,” Rose said. “I’m not going to change my game just because people want me to shoot more. I’m going to do exactly what the game tells me to do. The shots that I’m taking are open shots. I’m not forcing shots. That’s the way the game should be played. This is my role on this team. With the Bulls, of course I’m going to get up 20-25 shots. That’s not going to change anything.”
“I think he’s trying to get everyone else involved and he looks for his stuff not just fifth sometimes but sixth or seventh on the court,” Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “We need him to look at it like he’s one or two on the court, and when he’s making a play, look to make plays for people, but try to make plays for yourself, too. […] He’s being very unselfish, trying to be a good teammate. It all comes from a good place. He knows the defensive ball pressure is there. He wants to distribute the ball. He’s in a lot of times when DeMarcus (Cousins) is in to try to get him the ball. We would like for him to look for his stuff as well.”
