Rose Has No Second Thoughts About Playing For Team USA
By Cody Westerlund-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Bulls guard Derrick Rose didn't see Pacers forward Paul George's gruesome broken leg happen live two weeks ago during Team USA's scrimmage in Las Vegas, and he's avoided watching any replays of it since.
Having suffered two devastating knee injuries himself that wiped away seasons, Rose is full of sympathy for George. What he has none of, though, is any doubt.
Rose and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau each emphasized Thursday after Team USA's practice in Chicago that there are no second thoughts about Rose continuing to suit for the national team, even after George's horrific injury and Thunder star Kevin Durant subsequently pulling out of the running for a roster spot for the World Cup.
"I don't have fear," said Rose, who missed almost the entire 2013-'14 season with a right medial meniscus tear. "I have faith. I know that I'm going to be fine. I know I've busted my (butt) the entire two summers, two seasons getting back to where I am now. I'm just trying to keep it moving, stay positive every day, doing everything consistent."
Likewise, the Bulls didn't give thought to Rose stepping away from Team USA, Thibodeau said. The last time Rose played in such an event, in 2010, he followed with an MVP season.
"No, not really," Thibodeau replied when asked if George's injury gave him pause to Rose's status. "And you hate to see anyone get hurt. That's the unfortunate part of the game. Injuries are part of the game and could happen anywhere. From Derrick's standpoint, we think there are a lot of positives to him participating."
Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for CBSChicago.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.
