Derrick Rose lodged 24 minutes during the exhibition game against Brazil on Saturday. He looked physically well on the court and played a solid game.
However, Coach Mike Krzyzewski has decided to give Rose a rest during Monday’s practice in New York at West Point. This is just a precautionary move for Team USA. Rose is perfectly healthy, but he is sitting out with ice on his knees.
Rose is slowly returning to MVP form and has displayed some of his explosiveness during Team USA scrimmages. Rose also had a couple of MVP-like plays against Brazil. Krzyzewski just wants to keep it safe, especially after what happened to Paul George.
Coming off of two knee surgeries, Rose does not need to push himself too hard yet. Mike Krzyzewski is playing it smart. Derrick Rose is going to be a huge part of Team USA’s success, so they need him healthy.
In other Team USA news, DeMarcus Cousins will sit out practice as well, despite wearing a white practice jersey, as he nurses a knee injury. Cousins is still not moving well on his right knee, but he is reportedly expected to be ready for Wednesday's exhibition game against Dominican Republic after missing Saturday's game against Brazil.