Derrick Rose has had an incredibly difficult time remaining healthy over the past two years, so you would think international play would be out of the question for the Chicago Bulls superstar. Rose played in just 39 games during the 2011-2012 season, missed all of the 2012-2013 season and appeared in only 10 games this season. Despite that, Rose may play for Team USA.
Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski told reporters on Thursday that it will ultimately be up to the Bulls if Rose competes in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer.
“We get information from all the clubs and we know that the most important thing for these guys is their health and what they’re doing with their parent teams,” Coach K said, via ESPNChicago.com. “And so our communication with the Bulls, or any organization, is straightforward and we’ll follow their guidelines.”
Rose tore his meniscus on Nov. 22 and has been ruled out for the season. Coach K is hopeful that playing in Spain will be part of the rehabilitation process for the 25-year-old.
“We’re all hoping that he’ll be part of the group that comes in there,” he said. “And then just because we haven’t seen him play to see how he’s doing. We’d never try to put him in harm’s way for his career. But if he’s ready, we’d welcome Derrick. Derrick’s one of the great guys, in addition to being an outstanding player. He’s a great team guy. And that’s why we want him part of USA Basketball.”
Rose said back in February that he is “all in” for Team USA if his leg is feeling healthy. He credits playing for Team USA as part of the reason he was able to win the NBA MVP award in 2011.
On one hand, the Bulls would like to see Rose get some live competition in given how little he has played over the past three years. On the other, they know how prone he is to serious injuries. Another knee injury could be devastating to his career.
