D Rose confident he can be the same player he was prior to the injury.
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose believes he is the best player in the NBA as he looks ahead to making his comeback next season.
The 24-year-old has been on a tour of Europe this summer promoting his new trainers with adidas, but recently revealed he has been working hard on his rehabilitation in order to be ready for the Bulls pre-season schedule.
It appears Rose is not lacking any confidence ahead of his much anticipated return though, when asked by CNN’s Pedro Pinto who the best player in the NBA right now is, the former MVP didn’t hesitate with his answer as reported by ESPN.
“Derrick Rose,” he responded confidently.
Both coach Tom Thibodeau and general manager Gar Forman recently revealed that the point guard is feeling great and will be back in action as the Eastern Conference outfit begin their preparations for the new campaign.
“There will be an adjustment period, but I’m not anticipating there being any problems,” said Thibodeau, in an interview with ESPNChicago.com.
“His overall strength is terrific. He’s put a lot of work into his body. I know he’s anxious to get out there and play. He’s played some pick-up but not a lot, but he feels great, and that’s the most important thing.”
While Rose did reveal his belief that he can be the best player in the league again next season, he admitted that LeBron James was undoubtedly the toughest player to guard in the NBA.
“I would have to say LeBron,” Rose said. “A 6-foot-8 guy that’s 250 [pounds]. What do you think?”
With the Bulls losing to the Miami Heat in the second round of the Eastern Conference play-offs last season, it is expected that Rose’s impact will help them become a more competitive team next season if they are able to steer clear of injuries.
With Kirk Hinrick expected to stay, along with the likes of Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng, the Bulls are understandably still regarded as one of the strongest teams in the East.
However, with the Heat still looking strong along with the Indiana Pacers and the new-look Brooklyn Nets, there will be a lot of pressure on Rose to step up and deliver after a missed season.
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