Scoop Jackson Interview with Derrick Rose
http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?columnist=jackson_scoop&id=4070218\
Towards the end of last season, Scoop did this interview with Derrick about how the transition to NBA life was going.
Everyone has been making it seem like Derrick has arrived and that he is already the player he needs to be and that all he needs is some help and the Bulls will be set.
Whereas I believe that he needs some help, I also believe that he has some growing to do as a player, as well.
His jump shot has gotten a little bit better, but I would still like to see him work on his range. He cannot keep a defender honest from outside of 18 feet. Opposing teams will allow him to shoot that all day. He rarely takes three pointers (and for good reason), so it is much easier for defenders to play off of him when he’s outside of the three point line, which definitely impedes him driving to the basket.
Speaking of driving to the basket, he needs to do it more often. He is a decent free throw shooter (79% last season), but barely ever got to the line. He averaged slightly over three free throws a game last season, and is doing more of the same this year (he’s actually below two per game, so far). If he would assert himself more often and try and finish plays at the rim, he would either make the layup/dunk, or get fouled.
In adjusting his game in these ways, his scoring will increase which is exactly what the Bulls need right now. They don’t have that go-to scorer that can keep them ahead late in games, or help them come from behind.
With better help (ie low post scoring threats), his assist numbers will increase, but for right now, the Bulls need to worry more about scoring. He claims he wants to become more of a leader, but he needs to start acting like it on the court by staking claim to the Bulls best player, and scorer.
Thirteen points a game is NOT going to cut it, Derrick! Step up your game.
