Derrick Rose was a star the moment he stepped onto an NBA court back in 2008. His fearless attacks on the rim quickly became legend. Then, in 2010, he took that next step into Super Star status. Equipped with a consistent jumpshot and veteran savvy, he led his team to the best record in the league and a deep playoff run.
Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history that season as many wondered what will he do next? Well, the answer was: not much. Derrick was in and out of the lineup last season with an array of injuries that all seemed to last longer than initially expected: ankle, back, turf toe…wait, isn’t that a football injury? It was a bizarre run for ‘D’ that culminated in a torn MCL in Game 1 of the playoffs. The season which never really got going for Rose came to an abrupt end…as did the Bulls’ championship hopes.
So where does Derrick go from here? Word is that he’s ahead of schedule in his knee rehab and fans are even hoping that they may see him before New Years. Whenever he does make his triumphant return to the court, will we see the same D-Rose? I hope not…..for his sake.
Derrick Rose must adapt his game if he wants to have a long a productive NBA career. Those fearless attacks down the lane won’t last forever….just ask Allen Iverson. In fact, the blueprint for adapting this type of game has already been established…..and it just so happens to have been by one of D-Rose’s hometown heroes.
Dwyane Wade exploded onto the scene in 2003 in much the same way Rose did five years later. It was nearly impossible to keep ‘Flash’ out of the lane back then as he carried Miami on every possession. That style of play (and the presence of Shaquille O’neal) got him Finals MVP in just year three, coincidentally the same year that D-Rose got his first MVP hardware. But, just like with Derrick, year four wasn’t so Rose-y for Wade. He played in only 51 games out of 82 that year as the Heat were upset in the first round by the Chicago Bulls (merely coincidence). The next season, the fifth for Wade, saw the same 51 game output as Miami started to re-build the roster and get younger. I remember the barber shop talk back then, the hot topic (other than Kobe vs Shaq) was if Wade will ever play a full season again. The guy was a human pinball out there on offense, hitting the floor hard on every other trip downcourt. His star was destined to be extinguished by inevitable, mounting injuries.
Well, Wade decided to change. He added a deadly mid-range game and an unstoppable step-back jumper. Then, he mastered the bank shot and perfected the Euro-step. The days of flying through and over guys were over for Dwyane, he was now teasing defenders as he either stepped around them in the lane or jumped back away from contact. What makes you think Manu Ginobili still dominates opponents despite his age (and growing bald spot)? Raw physical ability may get you your name and advertising deals, but craftiness and savvy are what get you to the Hall of Fame {see Reggie Miller and Jamaal Wilkes}.
Derrick Rose loudly voiced his frustrations last season as he was getting fouled harder and harder on the court. The Bulls organization hoped that the ‘Commish’ would step in and save their banged-up star. Going forward, griping in the media just ain’t gonna get it done. Down at the local Rec Center we’ve all tried to guard a guy way more athletic than us…as a defender sometimes all you can do is grab and hold on for dear life. You can’t blame defenses for trying to stop The Lay-Up Drill, Runway #1, also knows as the Chicago Bulls offense. When option #2 is Carlos Boozer’s “I’m afraid of contact” fadeaway jumper, it’s really a no-brainer for the defense. You collapse as hard as possible on Rose and just live with Luol Deng’s jumpshot.
The answer for Chicago is clear, Rose must find a way to still score high percentage shots inside without taking a physical beating every time. In short, the less he hits defenders the less he’ll hit the floor himself…may I remind you that the hardwood is still undefeated.
Whether it’s a Tony Parker floater, Wade/Manu sidestep, or a new hybrid move that he develops….Rose must adapt.
You can’t play that way forever in the NBA, just ask once-great scorers AI & T-Mac.
That pounding starts to add up…..
…and then it’s a steep fall to the bottom.
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Nice article, and I agree with most of it. Derrick definitely is going to have to adapt in order to prolong his career.
IT WS JUST A FLUKE YR, U CAN’T CHANGE ROSE’S GAME OR ELSE HE’LL TURN INTO JOSE CALDERON.