Jerry Colangelo repeatedly went on record and made it clear that players who wish to participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janerio must attend the 2015 Team USA mini camp in Las Vegas. The camp consisted of two non-contact practices and one scrimmage game. Derrick Rose chose to reject the mini camp invitation and opted to focus on his workouts and his family. Naturally, this would mean Rose isn’t eligible to participate next summer, but Jerry Colangelo might be willing to bend the rule for the former MVP.
“I always said you never shut the door entirely on anyone. I mean, why? To prove what? Was I disappointed Derrick [Rose] wasn’t here? Sure. Because, we want the best for him. We want the best for him. We want him to get back to the level that he once was. So let’s just see how things go in the future.” – Jerry Colangelo
It helps that Rose’s former coach will be making a bid for his roster spot. Tom Thibodeau will do his best to leave the door open for Derrick Rose if he chooses to join. Rose has never won an Olympic gold medal because of his knee injuries. However, Rose did win gold medals in 2010 and 2014 at the FIBA World Cup.
Kobe Bryant the former MVP also has gotten a pass from Colangelo and could participate in the 2016 Olympics if he chooses. Bryant went on record to say he wanted to earn a spot, not just get one. Bryant has won a gold medal in 2008 and 2012 and Colangelo hopes Bryant ends his career on a high note with a 2016 gold medal as well.
