Derrick Rose fought through numerous injuries last year and still found a way to lead the Chicago Bulls to the best record in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Bulls' postseason opener, which ended his season and led to his Bulls losing to the eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. Instead of competing for a championship, Rose had to sit idly by and watch the Miami Heat hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Apparently, that image has motivated Rose to reach the highest level in 2013. In an interview with CSNChicago.com's Aggrey Sam (via ProBasketballTalk), Rose talked about the upcoming season being his chance to win an NBA title. Rose also knows that he will be under the microscope when he returns -- although this time, hopefully, only metaphorically:
"I think that’s what’s going to drive me, thinking about what people are saying -- ‘Is he going to be back, is he going to have his speed,’ or this and that -- I know that’s going to push me as a player."
While Rose continues to rehabilitate his surgically repaired knee, the Bulls will kick off preseason play on Oct. 9, 2012, at the United Center against the Memphis Grizzlies. Chicago's regular-season opener comes on Oct. 31 at home against the Sacramento Kings.
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