Now, don't get me wrong. Derrick Rose is an exciting player. Blessed with a remarkable amount of talent, speed, strength and ability, there isn't anything he can't seem to do.
Adidas Basketball has been running a Fast Don't Lie campaign, centered around Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard. Howard's focuses on what he is like off the court. Here's Derrick's: DRose is just about playing ball. Nothing more than that. In fact, as others have pointed out all season, every criticism in his game, DRose has worked hard to correct. Layups only? DRose develops a floater.Not an outside shooter? DRose works on a midrange jumper.
Terrible at defense? DRose improves defensively.
No 3 point shot? DRose starts taking, and making more 3 pointers.
Not getting to the free throw line enough? DRose starts drawing contact to get to the line more.A student of the game, DRose will frequently mention studying game film in post-game interviews. This is what separates talented players from truly special and great ones. And this is the biggest reason, why I'm a huge DRose fan. Talent is one thing, but putting in the hard work, effort and discipline to take it to higher and higher levels, that's what's truly special, and something that I can't stop watching. Fast Don't Lie, but Hard Work? That's the truth.(Note: DRose put up a career high 42 points in a big win at home against the league-leading Spurs on Thursday night!)