Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose has no second thoughts about joining Team USA for the FIBA World Cup of Basketball in Spain later this month, even after seeing Indiana Pacers forward Paul George suffer a broken leg in a scrimmage two weeks ago.
This after he himself had two spend almost two entire seasons rehabilitating from serious injuries he sustained during the 2012 Playoffs.
"I don't have fear," said Rose as quoted by CBS Chicago. "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."
Even his coach Tom Thibodeau who is also part of Team USA's coaching staff said the team has had no discussions about not letting Rose play this summer for the national team. After all, Rose benefitted from participating in the 2010 FIBA World Championships with an MVP season the following year.
"No, not really," Thibodeau said when asked if George's injury made him think about Rose. "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."
Rose has made a lot of raves in training camp, with observers saying he has regained the speed and quickness that made him the league's best player in 2011. He is expected to head Team USA now that George and league MVP Kevin Durant have bowed out of the roster.
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