CHICAGO (AP) — Derrick Rose says blame for the
NBA's current labor impasse rests squarely with team owners, not players.
"It's very sad, but everybody knows it's not
our fault," the Chicago Bulls point guard and reigning NBA most valuable
player said Saturday. "If it was up to us we'd be out there playing. I
think that is wrong and I know they could easily take care of it."
The 23-year-old Bulls star talked about the lockout
and his training regimen during downtown appearances introducing a new adidas
shoe line.
Rose said the NBA lockout, which has wiped out
training camp, exhibition games and the early port of the regular 2011-12
season, has been frustrating.
"They (the owners) aren't thinking about
anything that we're saying," he said. "They're not taking into
consideration (anything) that we're trying to give them. We're just going to
have to see how it goes."
Rose said a partial regular season seemed a likely
scenario.
"It is," he said. "(But) I can't say
nothing about it."
NBA commissioner David Stern wiped out the season's
first two weeks and has threatened to also cancel the league's showcase
Christmas Day games.
Rose said he continues to work out despite the lack
of organized practices that training camp would provide.
"I'm working on my post game, sharpening my
shooting, dribbling and all that stuff," he said. "I'm just trying to
get better as a player, get smarter. I definitely want my basketball IQ to get
better."
Rose led Chicago to an NBA best 62 regular season
victories last season. The Bulls were eliminated by Miami in five games in the
Eastern Conference finals. He averaged 25 points per game on the way to league
MVP honors.
"We had a great year last year and for us not
to have a season this year or taking so long to come up with a deal I think
that is wrong," he said.
Rose is not only endorsing, the new adidas adiZero
Rose2 line, he's using the footwear.
"I work out in these every day," he said.
"I will be playing him them."
He made Saturday appearances at a Michigan Ave.
shoe store, then greeted several hundred fans at a State St. Footlocker outlet
where some fans reportedly camped out overnight to meet the Chicago native.
Rose was later scheduled to play some basketball
with selected youths at the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club on the city's West
Side.
Copyright
2011 The Associated Press.
