Derrick Rose is likely out for the remainder of the 2013-14 NBA season, but Chicago Bulls fans could get a glimpse of their injured superstar this summer - not with the Bulls but with the USA Basketball Team.
Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski named Rose to the 28-man pool, and the Olympic champion coach is hoping that the former Most Valuable Player will be ready in time for training camp this summer.
"Well, I'm hoping 100 percent," Krzyzewski said. "We're all hoping that he'll be part of the group that comes in there, and then just because we haven't seen him play to see how he's doing. We'd never try to put him in harm's way for his career. But if he's ready, we'd welcome Derrick."
However, Krzyzewski added that the decision is out of their hands, saying that Rose's possible participation in the upcoming 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain in September depends on the Bulls organization.
"If they allow him to come, then that means he's allowed to play," Krzyzewski said. "We've had it before where the club says, 'We don't think he should participate this summer,' and we understand that. That's why we have a pool of players and not select just 12."
But Krzyzewski will likely have no problem with the Bulls as ESPN Chicago indicated that the team will allow Rose to participate for Team USA this summer.
According to the report, the Bulls view the upcoming FIBA World Cup as a good opportunity for Rose to improve his confidence similar to what happened after Rose played for Team USA in the 2010 World Basketball Championship in Turkey. After the tournament, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history.
"Our thinking is that it would be a terrific opportunity for him," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said. "And we would be supportive of him playing."
For his part, Rose, who sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee in November 22, has continuously expressed his willingness to play for Team USA again despite injury concerns.
"If my leg is feeling healthy and I'm there, then I'm all in. Of course I want to play for that team. Playing for that team helped the year that I won MVP, just getting in a groove, so I'm excited if I am able to play in it," Rose said.
