Derrick Rose still a possibility for 2016 Olympics despite skipping USA Basketball minicamp in Vegas
Derrick Rose decided to skip USA Basketball's minicamp in Las Vegas next week, one that Jerry Colangelo had said was mandatory for players who wish to be considered for the 2016 Olympic team roster.
Players like LeBron James are going despite having other commitments, and others, like Kevin Love and Kevin Durant, are showing up even though they're recovering from injuries and won't be able to participate.
But Rose has a lot of credibility built up thanks to his past participation, so this one little bump in the road isn't likely to rule him out for 2016, even in the face of Colangelo's strong statement.
Sam Smith of Bulls.com explains:
"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."
Rose has simply put too much time into the program to have one missed meeting so severely affect the relationship.
