Frustrated Derrick Rose: ‘It Seems Like We’re Not Even Competing’

Frustration has been building in the Windy City the last few weeks, and things came to a head Monday night, following a demoralizing loss in Cleveland.

The Chicago Bulls went down with hardly a fight 108-94 to the Cavaliers, and afterwards, Derrick Rose ripped into his team’s defensive effort (or lack thereof) and questioned the group’s competitive resolve.

The Bulls have been a mess without All-Star center Joakim Noah — losing four of their last five — who missed his third straight game with a sprained right ankle.

Per the Chicago Tribune:

“Everybody has to be on the same page. Until then, we’re going to continue to get our ass kicked,” Derrick Rose said. “We’re not communicating while we’re on the floor to one another. Everybody is quiet. Trust plays a part, but communicating on defense in a team sport is huge.

 

“We’ve got to give a better effort. It seems like we’re not even competing. It’s (bleeping) irritating.”

 

No wonder coach Tom Thibodeau said everything is on the table, including lineup or rotational changes. […] “We have to decide when enough is enough,” Thibodeau said. “Right now, we’re not a multiple-effort team. We’re not concentrating. We’re not doing our jobs. We have to change that.”