Derrick Rose won’t be among the group, as the Chicago Bulls star has chosen to skip the minicamp in Las Vegas this week, despite Jerry Colangelo saying it was mandatory for players who wish to be considered for the 2016 Olympic team roster.
Sam Smith of Bulls.com says Rose is still likely to be considered for the Olympic team.
“Rose has been working out in Los Angeles and apparently did not want to depart from his regimen of preparing for the 2015-16 NBA season. However, there are generally no absolutes regarding USA Basketball. If Rose were again to have an MVP-like season he presumably could be added to the team. Colangelo always has said extra consideration would be given to players who previously have participated with USA Basketball, that those players have built up equity with the program. In addition to the 2010 and 2014 teams, Rose was with USA Basketball for the 2007 Hoop Summit and 2009 USA Select Team, making Rose one of the most experienced and committed USA players in the NBA. Thus, as Colangelo has stated, Rose could have a reservoir of good will build up that would be taken into consideration.”
It sounds like Rose will be on the team if continues to be a dominant star for the Bulls.
By Glenn Erby
