President Obama Wants To Own NBA Team, Thinks Derrick Rose Can Be Top-10 Point Guard
(CBS) In an enlightening interview with Bill Simmons in GQ, President Barack Obama admitted he's dreamed of owning an NBA team and also shared his thoughts on Bulls point guard Derrick Rose's stature in the NBA after a half decade of being maligned with injuries.
Obama was in attendance for the Bulls' season-opening win against LeBron James and the Cavaliers at the United Center in late October. Asked by Simmons if the Bulls would have to be the team that he pursued an ownership stake in, Obama -- a former Illinois senator -- didn't envision that happening anytime soon.
"I know (Jerry) Reinsdorf pretty good — he's not giving that thing up anytime soon," Obama told Simmons. "But I have fantasized about being able to put together a team and how much fun that would be. I think it'd be terrific."
Simmons also asked whether Rose or Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is more untradable, then vouched for the 27-year-old Rose improving, though not ever getting back to elite status.
"Oh, I think Rose still has more upside," Obama said. "Remember, Rose is still awfully young.
"I've not given up on him. Sadly, I think it's hard to imagine, after that many injuries, him getting back to his MVP-season performance. But he can still be a top-10 point guard."
Rose currently ranks 56th among qualifying NBA point guards in Player Efficiency Rating, according to ESPN.com.
Read Simmons' full article here.
