Derrick Rose needs to step up mentally if Chicago Bulls are to reach the NBA Finals – NBA Feature
Derrick Rose is arguably the best point guard in the league at the moment. He has been in the spot light since being drafted as # 1 pick by Chicago in 2008. He was the rookie of the year for the 2008-2009 season and since then
has been the main component behind the success of the Chicago Bulls franchise.
He is a local hero in Chicago now, with many people comparing him to the great Michael Jordan. Not since the legendary MJ, have the Chicago Bulls had a player of his caliber in their roster.
Rose has the makings of a great player in the NBA. He has a great playing style; unique capabilities and humility to go with it, making him stand out amongst the NBA stars of the present. He has single handedly turned around this
franchise, and was named the season MVP last season for all his heroics.
The Bulls went into the Eastern Conference finals as somewhat favorites after the type of season they had, but lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was evident in that series that after guiding his team to
wins in the 1st and 2nd round series against the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks, Derrick Rose seemed somewhat lost against the mighty Miami.
Rose was unable to play his usual style of basketball and was completely shut down by one LeBron James. Many people said that he struggled as he was playing with injury. The injury might have had an effect on Rose in the series
but there seemed to be something else as well. Rose was just puzzled and confused on the court, not being able to make plays and perform at his usual best.
That has been the criticism on Rose this season as well as the Bulls move towards the playoffs yet again after completing the season with the almost certain best record in the league. Many people say that Derrick Rose does not
have the mental toughness as of yet to play big in the big games, and handle the pressure of the playoffs to take his team through.
The argument seems justified as there are some things that only experience can teach, no matter how good a player you are. LeBron has over the years been criticized for having the inability of the same thing, the mental toughness
to win playoff series. There is a reason why teams such as Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and the LA Lakers are so dangerous in the playoffs. These teams have been there on many occasion and their players are now battle hardened and know
what it’s like to play in big games. They handle the pressure much better than the relatively inexperienced teams.
The Bulls team as a whole lag in this area. They do not have the experience of playing close series at the biggest of all stages. However, last year was an experience for them and they would have learnt a great deal from their
loss to the Heat.
This year, the team is relatively more experienced. They have included a veteran who is very familiar with the playoffs in Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton. He will be someone to watch out for in the post season and with him onboard Bulls
are now in a better position to improve on their performance from last year. The only thing they need now is for Rose to develop the attitude and toughness required to play through the playoffs and come out on top.
In Sunday night’s game against Detroit, Rose was fouled hard by Charlie Villanueva as he ran for the layup. Rose’s nose received a cut when Charlie threw his hand in Rose’s face. The two exchanged a few words before Rose went off
court to get his nose bandaged. After the game, Rose said that he was sick and tired of people taking cheap shots at him.
These are not the words, the Bulls faithful want to hear right now. Nearly two decades ago, they saw the greatest ever player being manhandled day in and day out, but Jordan never spoke a word. He never gave his weakness to the
opponents.
This is what is lacking in Rose right now. The drive and hunger to be vicious. The playoffs are going to be much more physical than the regular season and there will be many instances when players will foul him or try to get into
his head in any other way possible. Those are the pitfalls of being the best point guard in the league and are the whole part of the deal.
If Rose wants to take the Bulls to the NBA Finals this year, he needs to step up on a mental level and be prepared for what is about to come.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: