Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose has insisted that he is a smarter player now after eradicating the recklessness from his game during his injury setbacks.
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Despite missing so much time over the last three years after undergoing three knee surgeries, the 26-year-old believes that he is a much better player now and has learned how to control his body better.
Rose scored 34 points in a season-high 48 minutes on the court on Thursday night in the double overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks as the Bulls took a 3-0 series lead, and after reporting no soreness the next day, he insists that he is feeling good.
“That player that you saw, that reckless player, I’m smarter now,” Rose said, comparing himself now to the player he was back in 2012, according to ESPN.
“I’m smarter. If I didn’t grow in this game, I’d be mad at myself. Just trying to take the shots that they’re giving me, trying to adjust while I’m playing. That old, young, reckless player that you saw years ago, he’s not there anymore.”
The former MVP added that he loves the player that he has become now and insisted that he never allows himself to be affected by criticism or the changing of opinion from the media or fans.
Rose insisted that he worked very hard during his latest spell on the sidelines after undergoing a meniscectomy back in February, and after initially being on a minutes restriction, he appears to have been let loose and is in full flow at a critical time of the season and admits that he is enjoying himself.
Chicago are likely to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, but with Rose firing alongside a highly talented and deep roster, he insists that they can achieve something “special” this season.
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