Derrick Rose Return Update: Tom Thibodeau Says Chicago Bulls Superstar Still Finding Rhythm Despite Recent Impressive Performances
Derrick Rose performed well in their last two preseason games, but Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau reiterated that the superstar point guard has yet to find his rhythm with less than a month before the start of the 2014-15 NBA season.
Rose averaged just 8.5 points in 14 minutes in their first two preseason games before posting 15.5 points to go along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in their last two games.
The 26-year-old point guard, who is working his way back from a second major knee surgery, played 21.5 minutes in their last two games. According to Thibodeau, he played Rose longer than the usual to help the All-Star playmaker get his timing back.
"The thing is, in order for him to get his timing he's got to play and he's got to work," Thibodeau said on Monday via ESPN Chicago. "Right now, his timing's not there. So it's a big adjustment for everyone because everyone has to get used to what he does on the floor. And the only way you can do that is by being out there. So we'll see."
Thibodeau is unsure if Rose will get his timing back in time for the upcoming 2014-15 NBA season, saying that it will depend on how the former Most Valuable Player will perform in training camp.
"It depends on the work he puts in. He's got to shake that rust off. The game is played collectively so there's a lot of work," Thibodeau said of Rose, who underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee late last year.
Rose, who averaged 15.9 points to go along with 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game last season, has been saying this offseason that he is getting his confidence back, but Thibodeau thinks that the Bulls superstar is still far from his desired playing shape and confidence level.
"Timing, everything, his defense, that's got to be better," Thibodeau said. "He's got to get used to the contact again. His passing, everything. And this is preseason; you get to the regular season that's going to be different. Our rotations are a lot shorter. The game-planning's different. You can't fool yourself. You can't. You got to work at it."
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