Derrick Rose Feels ‘Way More Explosive Now’

Following a dazzling 22-point performance at the United Center last night, his first since undergoing knee surgery, Derrick Rose said he feels more explosive than ever before. Per ESPN: “I think I’m way more explosive now,’ Rose said after scoring 22 points in 22 minutes. ‘Like getting to the rim. I think I can take contact a little bit better. And as far as jumping-wise, I think I can jump even higher. They tested my vertical — I increased it by 5 inches. I just didn’t show it yet because there’s no need to.’ Rose said after his first preseason game a week and a half ago that his vertical had improved from 37 inches to 42 inches. Now, after playing in just his third game in almost a year and a half, Rose looks and sounds as confident as ever. He says any worrying about his knee is finished. ‘The biggest thing is after you have an ACL or any injury, it’s the mental part,’ Rose said. ‘And for me not to think about anything no more and actually be reacting to the defense and the offense, it feels great knowing that I’m safe. I don’t have to worry about anything at all, even if I go to the hole and get contact and fall any type of way, that I could easily get up and bounce right back and play the way that I normally know how to play.’ Rose’s left knee caused a stir this weekend as he sat out Saturday’s game in Rio de Janeiro due to soreness. He gave fans a reason to calm down Wednesday, showing off his trademark speed and explosiveness. ‘I feel normal right now,’ he said. ‘I’m not worried about anything. I don’t have any aches or have any nagging injuries or anything. I’m really taking care of my body and really preparing myself for this long season.'”