OKC's Russell Westbrook Believes Bulls PG Derrick Rose Will Regain Old Deadly Form
Derrick Rose will likely miss the remainder of the 2013-14 NBA season after sustaining a torn meniscus in his right knee just 10 games into his comeback from a pervious knee injury.
But while basketball analysts are doubting Rose's ability to regain his old form and stay healthy moving forward, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar PG Russell Westbrook believes otherwise.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Westbrook, who is Rose's regular training partner every offseason, said that the Chicago Bulls guard will come back stronger and regain his old form that made him the youngest Most Valuable Player (MVP) in National Basketball Association (NBA) history.
"I've talked to him numerous times," Westbrook said of Rose. "He's a tough guy. He does a good job of coming out competing. It's unfortunate he had to be hurt and out another year, but he's going to come back the same D-Rose he was before."
Rose, who was sidelined for the entire 2012-13 NBA season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, returned to action this season, but suffered another setback.
The 25-year-old superstar tore his lateral meniscus in his right knee during Chicago's 97-93 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on November 22. He underwent surgery three days after sustaining the injury and was immediately ruled out for the entire season.
Westbrook can relate to Rose's situation as he also suffered the same fate last season.
Just as the Thunder were gearing up for a possible return trip to the NBA Finals, Westbrook sustained a torn meniscus, which ended his season and the Thunder's title hopes, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2012-2013 Western Conference Playoffs.
Westbrook missed the Thunder's first two games this season, but came back strong from the layoff. The former UCLA standout is averaging 21.4 points to go along with 7.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds this season.
"Just being confident," Westbrook said when asked about his strong showing this season despite coming off a major knee injury. "You have to have confidence in yourself and health and knowing the rehab and all the work you put in has paid off."