2 years ago, Derrick Rose was averaging 9.8 points per game and was repeatedly getting injured and released. Now it seems like D-Rose has finally found a comfortable place in the Timberwolves and more than that, is returning to his MVP form. This is Derrick Rose's story.
Most people know Derrick Rose and his achievements pre-injury, but not nearly as many know about his story post-injury as Derrick Rose just slowly faded away from the NBA world.
Coming off his MVP season in 2011, things were looking great for the Bulls as Derrick Rose's athleticism and skilled maneuvers lead the Bulls to the playoffs. Then the injury happened that changed D-Rose's career, in Game 1 against the 76ers, Rose drove towards the basket and as he was leaping for a shot he tore his ACL and ever since then D-Rose has never been the same.
After a few average years in Chicago, the Bulls decided to trade the former MVP to the Knicks for just a few role players, even with the dysfunction that the Knicks had, Derrick Rose showed many glimpses of his former self, but once a again the consistency wasn't there, as he averaged 18 points per game with 4.4 assists per game. Prior to the season he was asking for a 21 million dollar contract, and he may have gotten it from some point guard needy team, however he suffered a torn meniscus as the end of the year. This destroyed any chance of that happening.
In Free Agency he received little to no interest, and ended up taking a huge pay cut to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers as he wanted to play on a winning team. He ended up getting injured once again and was considering retirement. At the trade deadline he was dealt to Utah, but just once Rose thought he found a good fit they released him. After these events many speculated that Derrick Rose’s career was over.
However the Minnesota Timberwolves offered Rose a contract, and he was reunited with his old coach, Tom Thibodeau. His career has done a complete 180 in 6 years, 6 years ago he was an MVP, now he’s constantly made fun of due to his injuries. 6 years ago he was the face of the franchise, now he’s an average bench player. 6 years ago people used to wait in line for hours just to see him practice, now he’s practicing alone in a Cleveland State gym. However Rose has still shown flashes as he had a 14 point performance against the Rockets, but just when things started looking good D Rose got hurt again.
D-Rose had three options:
Option 1 Retirement: This would make perfect sense as Rose is approaching 30 and has suffered countless injuries. He would be able to retire in peace and would get to spend time with his son PJ.
Option 2 Leave for a starting job in Free Agency: If Rose's goal was to make more money then this would make sense, as he would have to sign a 1 year contract and prove himself, and eventually sign a big contract the next year,
Option 3 Play Overseas: This strategy should be the absolute worst case scenario for Rose, this strategy did work for another guard in Brandon Jennings who played well in China and was recently signed by the Bucks. However if he doesn’t play well, there is almost a 0% chance that Rose will make an NBA comeback.
Whatever happened to Rose in that upcoming off-season, people would never forget what he has done for The Bulls and basketball. His time in the NBA has been unforgettable.
However, this isn't the end of D-Rose's story.
Derrick Rose did not retire, he didn't leave in FA, neither did he play overseas. He stuck with his former coach Tom Thibodeau and it did him wonders. Derrick Rose may never be the same explosive player he was in his pre-injury days, but with Derrick Rose being a leading candidate for Most Improved Player his production can only go up.
With D-Rose averaging over 18 ppg and 5 assists per game he has shown he can still be a top player in the league. If you still don't believe that Rose is returning to his MVP form, his career high 50 point performance against the Jazz will undoubtedly convince you. Even in Derrick's prime days he never had a performance like this and some are questioning whether his prime days are really behind him.
After the game he broke down crying as his teammates surrounded him. He worked so hard to come back to this point and scoring 50 points felt like it was all worth it. From an MVP, to a role player, to nearly out of the NBA, Derrick Rose has experienced it all and his story will continue.
D-Rose will just ask of one thing. Don't call it a Comeback.