Derrick Rose is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA. He won the MVP in the 2010-11 season and since then hasn't played more than 51 games in a single season. Last summer Rose played for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup helping lead them to the gold medal in that tournament but he was not in attendance at Team USA's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Because of Rose's absence and a few other factors his time with Team USA might just be over, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.
The minicamp that is taking place this week features 34 NBA players and it was mandatory for players to show up if they wanted to be eligible for the 2016 Olympics roster in Rio di Janeiro. Rose was not in attendance which means he won't be on the Olympic roster but it is also a strong possibility he might never play for Team USA again.
Friedell writes that Team USA director Jerry Colangelo has not come out and said it but hinted Rose's playing career for the United States is likely done. The United States has plenty of options at point guard going forward with guys like Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul who are all in attendance for the camp. That combined with the fact that Rose has been hurt a lot and didn't show up to this minicamp likely spells the end for him.
Rose was invited to the minicamp and reportedly thought about attending but he ultimately decided to skip it and stay in Los Angeles where he is training for the upcoming season with the Chicago Bulls. If Rose were to never play another game for Team USA that might be a good thing for his career going forward and the Bulls as it will limit his injury risk.
Rose is still just 26 years old and is still one of the most talented players in the NBA. The former MVP has career averages of 20.4 points and 6.5 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field. Rose didn't look fully healthy last season but he is working on getting back to the MVP version of himself so he can help lead the Bulls deep into the playoffs. It's a shame we probably won't get to see Rose wear that USA uniform ever again but it could mean that we see 2010-11 Rose more consistently which is a tradeoff Bulls fans and basketball fans in general will likely be happy with.
