Rose excited about being named an All-Star starter
by Sam Smith
Posted on Feb 2
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Derrick Rose was named to his third All-Star team Thursday and second as a starter for the Eastern Conference as one of the most popular players in the NBA.
Rose was the leader among East guard in votes and second on the East team in votes to Dwight Howard. LeBron James was third and Dwyane Wade fourth. Rose will start with those three and the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony.
Overall, Rose received the third most votes from fans with Kobe Bryant second. Bryant will start for the West with Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Andrew Bynum.
“It means a lot,” said Rose. “I remember just wanting to be in the All-Star game. It’s something I take to heart. I wanted to accomplish something when I got into this league, and one of the accomplishments is being on the All-Star team. It’s an honor.
“It means a lot for the fans to vote for me,” added Rose before playing the Knicks. “I didn’t realize I had all those votes. I’m appreciative. I don’t take any one of my fans who went on line and voted for me for granted. I appreciate them all and hope they continue to watch me.
“It’s definitely fun playing on a team like that where everyone one of them are different type of leaders,” said Rose. “And me being a young player it’s something I can take from there and add to this team.
“When you first go into the game, that’s when the highlights are in the beginning of the game,” said Rose. “Later on in the game things get serious and competitive and you want to win.”
Rose was asked about having to thus practice his lob passing and he laughed. No, not on his Bulls team.
“I’m never going to throw one like that, especially on this team,” Rose said. “Jo (Noah) likes the bounce pass. It’s something I’ve got to get used to like back in my college days. I think I’ve got a lob in me.”
“The All-Star game is for the enjoyment of the crowd, for the little kids,” said Rose, “for the excitement.”
And it should be quite a show with Rose again running with Wade and LeBron.
As for not getting that All-Star rest during a grueling season, Rose said, “Everyone is looking for a way to rest this year. This year is hectic, but it’s something I’ve conditioned for and I’m going to be OK.”
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