USA No Way?

Even when Derrick Rose thinks he's doing the right thing, it appears he's actually doing the wrong one.  As The Return II continues to take shape, everyone seems ready to analyze whatever the next move is six ways from Sunday.  So it should come as no surprise that Rose's intention to play for Team USA at this summer's FIBA World Cup in Spain has been a hot topic ever since it was made known less than a week ago.

Making this extra intriguing is that Tom Thibodeau, an assistant for the team, is fully backing his star point guard even though he likely won't suit up for his primary basketball employer again this season.  Naturally, there has been a mixed reaction to this.  The line has been drawn between those who consider this part of his rehab and those who wish he would continue to play it safe at all costs.  The stage appears set for another PR battle the Bulls would rather not deal with.

As I've said several times on here, I'm no medical expert and therefore, can't give a professional recommendation as to what he should do.  However, Rose has made it clear there is no doubt he wishes to compete in this tournament.  He even went so far as to post a message about it on his Facebook page.  That's how serious he is about taking up this challenge.  We know that once he makes a commitment to something, he will stick to it as long as he's able.

Considering this, I'm all for respecting his wishes if this is what he truly wants to do.  Perhaps he recognizes this as the rehab assignment to end all rehab assignments.  Think about it.  Many of the best players in the world, both in the NBA and otherwise, will be competing hard to bring gold back to their homelands.  It's not the Olympics, but it's bigger than anything that comes after it on an international scale.  This is the kind of competition Thibodeau loves and since Rose has played his very best under Thibodeau, he's going to love it too.

Even though Rose has played in fewer meaningful NBA games recently than those that make up an NFL team's entire schedule, this could also be a crash course in high-class competition.  We could see him next year almost as seasoned as anyone who will play all 82 games plus the playoffs this year.  The less experienced players in that tournament certainly will, so Rose might have that happen as well considering recent events.

I will certainly cheer for him as he plays in Spain.  I hope you do the same instead of just praying he doesn't get hurt the third time around.