Report: Derrick Rose mulls over Team USA participation

The Bulls franchise point guard Derrick Rose is noncommittal regarding his bid for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics, according to ESPN’s Nick Friedell.

While Rose has said he would like to play for his home country once again in the Olympics, sources told Friedell that he is weighing the potential benefits of taking more time off before the start of Bulls training camp in late September.

USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has said in recent interviews that attendance is mandatory for players who wish to be considered for the 12-man roster that will represent the United States.

Even though Bulls GM Gar Forman has backed Rose’s desire to play in the Olympics, the decision to go to Las Vegas for two days of noncontact workouts and an intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 13 ultimately rests with Rose.

‎Rose was likely going to play for the 2012 Olympic team that won gold at the London Games, but he tore the ACL in his left knee in Chicago’s first game of the 2012 playoffs.

Rose looks to build upon a postseason that saw him average 20 points and 6.5 assists per contest. The Bulls will need him to reach a level similar to his pre-injury form for the pairing of Rose and Jimmy Butler to reach its potential.