All-Star point guard Derrick Rose thinks the Chicago Bulls are ready to make a championship run this year, thanks to surprising improvement of Jimmy Butler and a really deep roster.
After two major surgeries, Rose is thrilled to find himself in position to help the Bulls win its first championship since the Michael Jordan era. The former NBA MVP really believed this year's Bulls have all the tools to become champions, as long as they remain focus throughout the season.
"I don't want to jinx ourselves but I think we can really make a run for this [championship] this year," Rose said Monday, as reported by ESPN's Nick Friedell. "But it just takes focus, discipline and we got to sacrifice a little bit."
Rose, who is averaging 18.1 points, 4.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, revealed that he's now close to regaining his old form that made him one of the top guys in the NBA.
"I think I played all right," Rose said. "I'm picking and choosing when I'm going to have my time during the game, and really just the fourth quarter. Really being aggressive during that fourth quarter where I have a five or four minute stretch where I could do whatever I want."
But despite playing with greater confidence these days, Rose is aware that he doesn't need to push himself to the limit like he used to in previous years because he has a very talented supporting casts around him.
"It's a good feeling. First time I've ever had that while I've been in the league," Rose said. "It takes a lot of pressure off everyone, where someone can easily go off for 15 or 20 points within a couple of quarters and put the team away pretty quick. It's fun."
Aside from acquiring All-Star forward Pau Gasol this summer, Butler's improvement as a more polished offensive weapon has undoubtedly contributed to the Bulls' rise this season. The 25-year old Butler is averaging 22 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, making him the hands down favorite to win Most Improved Player of the Year.
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