Slow & steady
Derrick Rose said Monday he is trying to be more like Kobe Bryant and make every dribble count, saying he is less “reckless” than earlier in his career and can play more like a point guard. He also said he believes the Knicks have more weapons than the Bulls.
“I felt like [my game] changed these past couple of years since the [knee] injuries,” Rose said during Knicks media day Monday as training camp commenced Tuesday. “I played more of a control game. In the past, I was kind of reckless. The last couple of years, I pick and choose when to attack and facilitate. This year, it’s different. I have a lot more options. I have shooters and can play through someone an entire game if that’s Melo [Carmelo Anthony] or KP [Kristaps Porzingis]. Just having so many options, I’m able to play the way I know and really can be a point guard first. This whole time playing pickup, they want me to attack, and it opens up everyone on the floor.”
During Rose’s press conference at a White Plains hotel, he remained poised and composed when grilled about an upcoming $21.5 million civil sex trial. He admitted the possibility of missing some training camp time with the trial set to begin Oct. 4th — the date of the Knicks’ preseason opener in Houston.
“I’m not really worried about it,” Rose said. “But if I do have to miss time, it’s a part of it.”
However, the 2011 MVP will be there Tuesday for the Knicks’ first practice in Tarrytown. Working on his mid-range game, dribbling and adding yoga were featured elements of his offseason training.
“I felt I could be more efficient. Every dribble has to have a meaning,” Rose said. “You look at a player like Kobe. Every dribble leads him to a great shot or puts him in position to take a great shot. You don’t see too many people block or contest his shot. That’s what I’m working toward. It’s rare to see him in a bad position. That’s where I’m trying to get to.”
Anthony invited eight team- mates, including Rose, to Puerto Rico in late August for a bonding /basketball session.
“I’ve never played with a guy like Derrick,” Anthony said. “I’ve played with point guards with different styles. To play alongside an explosive guy like Derrick, who can push the pace up across the game at that position, I think for me the only thing I could do is go out and enjoy playing basketball again. Have fun with the game.”