May 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-91. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to Team USA’s mini-camp, managing director of USA Basketball Jerry Colangelo said that players that didn’t attend the camp wouldn’t be considered for Team USA’s roster in 2016.
"“Anyone who’s not here, who had been invited, which was not mandated, but it was a request and mandatory to be here to be considered going forward — those who made a choice not to, I respect, but then we have to move on.” (ESPNChicago.com, Nick Friedell)"
Previously, Derrick Rose competed for Team USA in the 2010 FIBA World Championships and the 2014 World Cup of Basketball last summer in Spain. Team USA won gold in both tournaments. On several occasions, Rose expressed his desire to win an Olympic gold medal with USA Basketball. As early as the summer of 2010, Derrick Rose explained to reporters how much a gold medal in the Olympics would mean to him.
"“I really want it [a gold medal in the Olympics]. That’s something I can brag about to my kids if they play sports. Like if they win a championship, it doesn’t matter, I won a gold medal. Until you win one of them, that’s when you can come talk to me.”"
Rose’s desire to win a gold medal made the initial announcement that he wouldn’t be considered for the 2016 Olympic roster problematic. However, Jerry Colangelo’s most recent remarks give Rose a fighting chance to make the team.
"“I always said you never shut the door entirely on anyone. I mean, why? To prove what? Was I disappointed Derrick [Rose] wasn’t here? Sure. Because, we want the best for him. We want the best for him. We want him to get back to the level that he once was. So let’s just see how things go in the future.” (ESPN.com, Dave McMenamin)"
Jerry Colangelo went back on his word and Derrick Rose benefits the most from this announcement. Therefore, Rose’s attendance at Team USA’s camp would have been pointless. Rose receives the benefit of still getting considered for the 2016 Team USA Olympic roster without attending a mini-camp that he obviously didn’t want to attend.
Is it fair? Probably not.
However, Rose deserves a break because nothing about his seven-year NBA career has been fair.
Next: Not worth the injury risk