Derrick Rose issued a statement Thursday to distance himself from his brother’s criticism of the Chicago Bulls.
Rose’s brother and manager, Reggie Rose, criticized the Bulls for not making any moves at the trade deadline to help propel the team past the defending champion Miami Heat.
“What have you pieced together? Have you made any moves? Have you made any trades to get better? You know all roads to the championship lead through Miami,” Reggie Rose told ESPNChicago.com. “What pieces have you put together for the physical playoffs?
“Joakim Noah is a great player. Luol Deng is a great player. But you need more than that. You have to put together pieces to your main piece. The players can only do so much. It’s up to the organization to make them better.”
Reggie Rose reportedly told ESPN Chicago that the team’s inactivity at the deadline could be a “big factor” in determining whether the point guard returns this season from his ACL injury. Rose said last week he wouldn’t mind missing the season if he isn’t completely healed.
“It’s frustrating to see my brother play his heart and soul out for the team and them not put anything around him,” Reggie Rose told ESPN Chicago.
Reggie Rose says the Bulls have known all along that there was a possibility his brother might not return this season. He says they kept it quiet because they were worried the negative news would affect ticket sales.
“If Derrick comes back, they’re going to sell more tickets. Is the reason for Derrick to come back to win a championship or make money? Right now, I don’t believe a championship. Everything in the NBA is financial.”
Derrick released a statement through the team that distances himself from his brother’s comments.
“I have always felt that the Bulls organization’s goals have been the same as mine and that is to bring another championship to this city.”
This is not the first time that a representative for a player has caused commotion with his comments — we saw it happen in football season. Though Rose issued a statement in response, you have to figure that at least part of his brother’s words represent his feelings. It’s not like we haven’t shared stories in the past about Rose wanting the Bulls to acquire players.
