Derrick Rose: A Thorn In The Celtics' Side

I'm writing this just a few hours before Game 2 of the Celtics-Bulls series. I only mention that for series perspective. Fans and media (and even some players) tend to over-react to any one game of a series.

I'm not, and my perspective and predictions about this series and the Bulls' Derrick Rose is not a function of either game 1 or what may or may not occur in Game 2...or Game 3...or...Game "whatever".

Every rose has a thorn, but this Rose IS and WILL CONTINUE TO BE a thorn...to the Celtics and future opponents in his career. I'm not basing this just on his 36 points (tying the great Abdul-Jabbar's playoff record for a rookie) or his 11 assists.

I think that production-wise, that was a freak game—almost 20 points greater than his season average. I don't look for that to happen throughout the series. I'm looking a bit at that production, a good bit at the young man's entire body of work and progress this season, and a great deal at the confidence, leadership and cool that he exhibits, especially in his first playoff game—in Boston Garden, no less.

Before that game, Rose's agent, former Bulls guard B.J. Armstrong, advised him, "Just go out there in the first five minutes and play like you want to be there."

After the game, Rose said, "So I came out aggressive and my team followed me." Note, highlight, and interpret what this rookie said..."Aggressive"..."MY team"...(they) "followed ME."

That's the epitome of confidence, leadership and cool. You don't get that from "normal" rookies on a world stage, on the road, versus a superior opponent in their inaugural playoff game. He inarguably played not only like he wanted to be there, but like he was SUPPOSED to be there.

I will deviate ever so slightly from my pre-series prediction that the Celtics will take this series in five.

I've adjusted that now to six, as I certainly didn't expect the Bulls to win a game in Boston. I think the Celtics will correct enough of the defensive, offensive, rebounding, and energy/emotional/leadership gap left by the absence of "The Big Ticket" to win this series.

I think Doc Rivers will make a defensive adjustment that will reduce the need for Ray Allen to wear himself down chasing Ben Gordon around and through constant staggered screens. I also think Paul Pierce will better take advantage of the strange plethora of double-teams the Bulls placed on Allen—if the Bulls continue to do so.

The better team (the guys in green) will win this series. However, Rose IS and WILL BE a thorn!

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