Notes from NBA on TNT Coverage – Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014

Derrick Rose on his recent comments about sitting out games: “I was just worrying about myself and worrying about my future like every player in the league does. I’ll probably just think different. It’s only my seventh year but further into my career and my life, just trying to plan things out. I think people took that out of context but it is what it is. I was being myself and that’s all I can be. I couldn’t care less.” 

Barkley on Rose’s comments: “He’s a great player and a great kid…but that was stupid. We’re so blessed. I limp around but I go home to a big ol’ mansion. There are people that work harder than Derrick Rose that go home to a shack. There are consequences for what we do for a living. We’ve got the best life in the world. I’m a poor black kid from Leeds, Alabama, who grew up in the projects and I don’t mind limping around [now]. When I go home, I have a big ol’ house. I’ve got good sheets; I don’t know the thread count, but they’re good sheets. I’ve got a big car and I never have to worry about bills. Derrick Rose is making $20 million dollars a year and he’s got a couple of bad knees. There are pros and cons of what we do for a living.” 

O’Neal: “I was taught that if you could walk, you could play. You see how Kevin McHale walks now, how Phil Jackson walks now, how Charles [Barkley] and I walk…but it was worth it. When you make comments like that, it makes you look soft…but he can only be himself. If that’s how he feels, that’s how he feels.”

Smith: “I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because an MVP can’t have a low threshold of pain. It’s impossible.” 

Miller on Rose’s comments: “It’s unfortunate because it would be more of a story if you were hearing things coming out of the Bulls locker room that Derrick Rose isn’t pulling his weight. To a man, everyone understands [what he’s gone through]. He’s had two major injuries in two and a half years…the execution was wrong with what he said but if there’s any guy who has heart in this league, it’s Derrick Rose. His commitment is there 100% to his team and the organization.”

Miller continues: “He’s in a no-win situation because, if he plays with sore ankles and plays badly, the headline is ‘damaged goods’ but if he sits out, he’s not fully committed.”

Miller on the passing prowess of the Bulls frontcourt:  “The Bulls have arguably the two best passing big men in the game in Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah.”

Miller on Jimmy Butler’s outside shooting: “That’s the one area of his game that has vastly improved from his rookie season. That’s why he’s going to be a bona fide All-Star in this league.”

Smith on the Raptors: “What Toronto does better than any other team right now is they put pressure on you off the dribble. Their dribble penetration is second to none…they are the best at getting to the lane.”

Miller on the Raptors having a target on their back: “When you have a young team that’s on the verge of breaking through and wants to take that next step, two things stand out: consistency and trust. Now there’s a bulls eye on this young Raptors team because of their high expectations. Can they sustain that each and every night that they take the floor? They are expected to compete at a high level.”

Hill on head coach Lionel Hollins: “He’s adapted to the personnel on this team. They are scoring more points in transition and taking quick shots. He’s a great coach and it’s great to have him back in the league.”

Hill on the Warriors’ bench: “To have the luxury to rest your starters and have your second unit come in a play well is something that’s going to help this team throughout the season. Getting production out of [Andre] Iguodala and [Leandro] Barbosa is going to be huge.”

Hill on Andre Iguodala: “Iguodala is known for his defense, his length and he takes the challenge day in and day out to guard the other team’s best player on the perimeter. He’s going to be big for this team defensively and off the bench once he gets comfortable in that role.”

Hill on Klay Thompson: “As a young player, he’s not satisfied with where he’s at with his game. He’s taking the time to develop his all-around play.”

Smith on how the Kings need to learn how to win: “Sacramento has figured out a style to play well; now the second part of that equation is how to finish teams off. Finishing them off is paying attention to details. Sometimes the things that allow you to get the lead won’t allow you to win the game. Sacramento has to learn how to slow down.”