Select-ive service good for Bulls' Rose, U.S.
BULLS | Rookie happy with role in preparing Olympic team
LOS ANGELES -- As Derrick Rose prepared to attend Wednesday's ESPY awards as a guest, he found himself trying to fully comprehend -- and appreciate -- how much his life has changed.
The humble teenager from the South Side, who was the No. 1 pick in the June 26 draft by his hometown Bulls, has been cast in a starring role. He was picked Wednesday for the USA Basketball Men's Select Team, which will help prepare the U.S. Olympic team for the Beijing Games.
(AP)
''It's a great honor,'' he told the Sun-Times. ''To know you're doing something to help the Olympic basketball team come back with the gold, I'll always feel I'll be a part of it.''
Rose, in general, is just trying to enjoy himself.
''This has been a really great experience,'' he said. ''It's just hard to believe I'm part of this whole thing.
''In my short time in the NBA, I couldn't have asked for anything better. My whole life has changed.''
And Rose said he's also feeling good physically. An MRI on his right knee showed there was nothing but a mild case of tendinitis.
''There's nothing wrong with my knee,'' Rose said. ''I feel fine. I feel great. I'm ready to go.''
The select team is made up of 10 young NBA players and will scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team in Las Vegas on Monday through next Thursday. The select team, which will be coached by Oklahoma City Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo, begins training Sunday.
''The experience Derrick will get competing with the best players in the world will be invaluable for him as a young player,'' Bulls general manager John Paxson said. ''This is a chance for him to see how the great players approach the game and work to be the best the NBA has to offer.
''The Bulls are proud that he has been asked to participate and represent the organization.''
Other players on the select team are LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green of the Sonics, former Illinois star Luther Head of the Houston Rockets, Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks, Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers, Kevin Martin of the Sacramento Kings, O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies and Rodney Stuckey of the Detroit Pistons.
Rose had an MRI and was examined by Bulls physician Brian Cole on Monday to rule out a more serious problem.
''Derrick has a mild case of tendinitis,'' Cole said in a statement released by the team.
Rose will continue to undergo therapy, and his health will be monitored by the Bulls' medical staff.
In other matters, the Bulls don't appear to be any closer to reaching deals with restricted free agents Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, although options available to the players are dwindling.
The Los Angeles Clippers were believed to be interested in Deng, but they exhausted their available salary-cap room Tuesday by acquiring Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets for a second-round draft pick.
Since the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors also have used up their cap room by signing other players, the only option for Deng and Gordon -- aside from re-signing with the Bulls -- would be a sign-and-trade deal. The Bulls, of course, would have to agree to a sign-and-trade deal.