NBA Rumors: Why Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose Going Overseas Is Not a Problem
Word surfaced yesterday that the Chicago Bulls' superstar and MVP Derrick Rose may look into going overseas if the NBA lockout is not lifted anytime soon.
I assume many in the Bulls organization and their fans would initially have a problem with this.
Well, I don't.
Simply, I don't see there being a huge issue with him going overseas. I know there is the factor that he could get hurt, but couldn't that happen anywhere?
Rose could get hurt playing in the All-Star game, the Olympics, a pick-up game with some friends or simply tripping over something in the garage.
We can't avoid things based on fear, so I see there being no more harm in playing overseas than staying at home.
What do people expect? For Rose to just sit in his home and not pick up a basketball?
Sure, Michael Jordan took an entire year off of competitive basketball and came back and took the Chicago Bulls to 72-10 (yes, I know he came back for the end of 1995). I just don't see that being realistic with many athletes, especially with one whose game is on the rise.
Instead, Rose taking himself overseas should be seen as an opportunity.
First of all, it is in the Bulls' best interest that Rose is practicing in a competitive environment. Sure, he can get some of his NBA buddies together and play a little game of five-on-five, but it won't be as competitive as actual competition. It would really just be another practice.
He needs to stay in game shape.
Rose is still a young guy, and still has much to learn. I think Rose is mature in the fact that he won't lose sight of what the Chicago Bulls and coach Tom Thibodeau are trying to accomplish. He could though use a little experience in broadening his horizons.
Rose will be likely asked to join the United States' 2012 Olympic squad, so it would be great for him to get a feel of the international game.
This is more of a personal note for Rose. Due to his inexperience at the international level, he may be left behind when it comes to the more experienced LeBron James and Chris Pauls who have been there before.
Playing outside of his comfort zone will allow him to possibly become a more versatile player. His numbers have improved with every season, so perhaps a new experience will allow him to gain more abilities.
Rose is still becoming the player who he will be, and he needs to continue to play at a competitive level. This is no time for him to just sit back and relax.
The other reason why this would be a good idea for Rose is so he can get onto the international scene.
The NBA is very popular across the world, and so are the Chicago Bulls. That is due to a man named Michael Jordan though.
Rose, although the reigning MVP, can have his name lost with names like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and even still, Yao Ming.
It would be great to see Rose have an impact on the international level like Jordan did, even though that would be a tall order.
Rose is on the verge of becoming one the current superstars in the game, but due to his humble personality, he can lost within all the glitz. I'd like to share Chicago's best kept secret with the world.
Look, I do agree that perhaps it just isn't worth the risk because of the injury factor, but that is life. I more importantly want to see the Bulls become an even stronger team once they get back on the court, so whatever Rose can do to improve his game I am all for.
If Rose wants to go overseas, he should. Remember, he has only been in the league for three years, so he still has much more progress to make in his already stellar career.
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