LeBron James: Derrick Rose ‘One Player Away from a Title’

After eliminating the Bulls in stunning fashion last night, LeBron James had very complimentary words for DRose, but it remains to be seen if Rose will get the kind of support he needs offensively to challenge for an NBA championship. From the Chicago Tribune: “Before getting caught up in celebrating his team’s series-clinching victory over the Bulls on Thursday night, Heat star LeBron James embraced Reggie Rose, Derrick’s older brother, and whispered a few words in Reggie’s ear. ‘He said, ‘Tell young fella he’s a hell of a player and that he’s one player away from a title,’ Reggie Rose said, relaying James’ message. As much as he tried to carry the team on his shoulders throughout the entire season, it was too much for Derrick Rose in the end. The final game of the season is one Rose won’t soon forget, one he is certain to use as motivation as he prepares for next season. In the most important game of his young career, Rose admitted making rookie-like mistakes. And once again, he struggled to get it going in the fourth quarter. Rose finished with 25 points and eight assists but shot just 9-for-29 from the field and 2-for-8 from the 3-point line to go with four turnovers. He missed a key free throw down the stretch and committed a foul on Dwyane Wade’s 3-pointer with 1 minute, 30 seconds remaining, resulting in a four-point play. That play deflated the Bulls, who held a 79-72 edge at the time. Rose slumped at the podium after the game trying to comprehend how his team blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead with 3:14 remaining.”