Rose, Derrick 30:55 7-13 .538 1-1 0-0 2-1-3 8 1 5 0 0 15 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals! No turnovers in almost 31 minutes!
If he averages that, he'd be an MVP candidate and the bulls will win 55 games. That's possible for him, but I wouldn't expect it next year.
Nah, I know, but I do expect his PPG and APG to shoot up w/o Kirk handling the ball (as well as the acquistion of shooters/CBooz).
If he starts getting foul calls, I think he could put up a 24/3/8 with 1 stl and close to a 3:1 ast/to. He was 21/3/6 last year with a better than 2:1.
It was an interesting game. I think Rose's steals and turnover numbers are more due to the fact that he and Rondo were the only two players actually trying. They really have a rivalry brewing -- it's kinda' neat to see them battling it out for a starting spot on Team USA after the great playoff series two years ago. Rose played better in Blue-White game, at least. Rose took one step back three that looked effortless, and one open spot up three where he seemed to overthink things. He's still a ways away from having the confidence necessary to drill those shots. His defense looked pretty good when he wasn't tired, but again he was one of the few players actually trying. Kevin Durant looked like a man among boys. If someone wanted to make the argument that he's the best player in the league, I wouldn't take issue. Iguodala also looked really strong. He's put on some muscle this off season and would have been a great pick up for the Bulls if they were willing to make the commitment.
