The Derrick Rose comeback bandwagon is picking up steam as quickly as the Chicago Bulls star guard appears still capable of going from baseline to baseline.
Count Team USA and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski as the latest to join the chorus, telling ESPN this week Rose has not only shown himself to be back during the early days of U.S training camp but at an “elite” level.
Certainly, the youngest MVP in league history looked the part during last week’s intrasquad scrimmage, darting and juking his way to an array of coast-to-coast and above the rim baskets that instantly brought to mind visions of him born of that very 2011 season.
Since then, a pair of injuries to each of his knees have essentially robbed him of back-to-back seasons, but you couldn’t tell it based on his performance and attitude at last week’s Las Vegas training camp.
“It takes an exceptional person, which is why we’re talking about Derrick,” Krzyzewski told ESPN of his Rose evaluation. “I think he’s exceptional in every way. He went right at it. The first defensive exchange in the camp, he was all over the ball handler, moving his feet, attacking him. There was a buzz right away because it was basically his saying, ‘Look, I’m not just back. I’m back at a level that’s elite.'”
Next in the process for Rose comes a return to where it all began, as Team USA ventures to Chicago later this week, where the team will practice and hold an exhibition at the same United Center arena Rose calls home.
“I think it’s ideal for him in this particular case,” Bulls coach and Team USA assistant Tom Thibodeau said of Rose’s experience. “One of the great things they do is the way they pace the team. There’s days where there is no contact at all… I think it’s good for Derrick. It’s great for him, actually. The big thing for Derrick is he has to take this step by step. The way he looks right now, his body is strong, he’s feeling great.”
So much so, that Rose has gone from an unknown variable to the projected starting point guard for Team USA once camp breaks later this month.
“Derrick was sensational the whole week,” added Krzyzewski. “He really did that every day, how fast and strong and decisive he was. He really created an air of excitement for the team because we all were anxious to see who he was right now. And who he is is very, very good. Being with the other elite guards helps you. “And Derrick maintained that the entire week.”
