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Bulls' Rose impoves his threes
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By Chris Mannix
July 24, 2010
Las Vegas, NV — Since coming to the NBA after being the top pick in the 2008 draft, the Bulls' Derrick Rose has quickly established himself as a premier point guard. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Rose possesses a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism that makes him virtually impossible to contain.
Next season, however, Rose could be even tougher to defend. A consistent three-point shot has been the one missing weapon from Rose's repertoire. In his first two seasons, Rose attempted just 132 threes and connected on 32, a low percentage (24.2) that encouraged defenses to sag off.
With that in mind, Rose has made improving his jumper his top priority this offseason.
Working with longtime trainer Rob McClanaghan, Rose has lived behind the line. He has made subtle adjustments to his technique -- he moved the ball closer to his fingertips to try to get more arc on his shots -- and sharpens it by attempting hundreds of extra three-pointers a day. Indeed, during breaks in the action at this week's USA Basketball camp, Rose can be found at an open rim firing up jumpers.
"It feels great," Rose said. "I'm not scared to shoot it anymore."
Rose's motivation to become a better shooter has been fueled by the offseason addition of Carlos Boozer. Previously, the role of Chicago's big men -- a list that has included Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas and Taj Gibson -- has been to rebound, run the floor and knock down the occasional jump shot. The addition of Boozer brings an elite low-post scorer who can command a double team, which should create more open looks for Chicago's perimeter scorers.
"If I can shoot the three, it will open up our game," Rose said. "Now that I'm playing with Carlos, when the kick-back comes, I want to be ready to shoot."
While the changes in Miami have created a clear pecking order in the Eastern Conference, Rose believes the additions to his team (Boozer, forward Kyle Korver and guard Ronnie Brewer) will make the Bulls a difficult out in the playoffs.
"We have the right pieces," Rose said. "We have guys who have been in winning programs. We're not [intimidated]. We're ready to play right now. It's going to be a fun year in the East."
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