Derrick Rose wants to become better leader

Derrick Rose has a lot of obstacles to overcome as he returns from multiple knee injuries/surgeries that have limited him over the past three seasons. Rose says he “has no fears” when it comes to his knee injuries, and Team USA personnel such as Coach K and Tom Thibodeau have praised his game.

Rose may be returning to form physically and unconcerned about that part of his game, but there is one area he’d like to improve.

“Right now, that mental part is my part of the game that I’m missing. That leadership being on the court, getting guys together, just knowing that it’s us against everyone when we’re on the floor,” Rose said Friday in Chicago where he was practicing with Team USA ahead of a game against Brazil via ESPN Chicago.

“For me, this is my chance to actually become a better leader. Being more vocal in the locker room. Being more vocal on the floor. [Saturday] starts all that. It’s a huge journey for me. I’m not trying to shy away from it. I think it’s going to help me with the Bulls next season, and it’s going to help me have a better relationship with my teammates. Because I always have a good relationship, but being vocal and always talking to them I think it should be even better so I’m excited about it.”

This is noteworthy because Rose has always come across as a lead by example type of player. He’s not the kind of guy who will get involved in actively recruiting players to join the Bulls, which is something you’d expect out of a team leader. He still might not do that, but at least he wants to work on his leadership going forward. That can help make him a better overall player and make his teams even more difficult.