Is Team USA in Derrick Rose's future?
Bulls guard Derrick Rose is reportedly "undecided" about going to USA Basketball's minicamp later this month.
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is undecided about attending USA Basketball's minicamp in the middle of August, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. Rose is reportedly "weighing the potential benefits of taking more time off before the start of Bulls training camp in late September," even though bailing on Team USA in Las Vegas would likely mean being unable to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
USA Basketball chairman has said repeatedly that the Olympic team will be composed of players who attend this upcoming minicamp. Injured players like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are expected to attend, even if they're not going to do anything on the court. "It’s not a competitive camp," he told Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears. "Really, it’s a show and a sign that you’re interested in USA Basketball and wanting to continue to represent your country in 2016." If Rose skips it, then, it means that he has already made his mind up about next year.
Last year, Rose competed for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup in Spain. While he didn't put up huge numbers, his presence alone was perhaps the biggest storyline. Rose was making his way back from injury, and he used his time with the national team to prepare himself for the 2014-15 season. Him making the roster over John Wall and Damian Lillard was somewhat of a controversial choice at the time, though, and it's hard to say what his chances would be if he got in another training-camp battle.
Especially given how deep the talent pool is at the point guard position, it's understandable if Rose decides he's done with playing for his country for now. You can't really question him if he sits out -- he played for Team USA in 2010 and could have easily spent last summer doing private workouts. His No. 1 priority now needs to be returning to form, and that probably means it's best not to overwork himself during the offseason. Perhaps he will decide to go to Vegas and keep his options open, but it doesn't seem necessary. He's still only 26 years old -- best-case scenario, he returns to the program after a few healthy seasons.
