Derrick Rose’s career has seemingly been in peril for years now after his hall of fame caliber first few seasons as he has dealt with a slew of injuries and a seemingly never-ending series of trips to the physical trainer and injured reserve.
Rose still only 29, has missed 12 games already for the Cavaliers this season after signing a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum in the off-season and is now dealing with a sprained ankle, and his own desire to continue to fight back from injuries to resume his NBA career.
Rose has been away from the team for a little while now and while he has been communicating with them (unlike when he dissapeared from the Knicks last season) he still has not decided if he wants to return.
Here is an excerpt from the ESPN Report about his absence from the team and communication with them about his struggle:
“He left the Cavaliers on Wednesday, league sources said. Rose’s increasing frustration with injuries is causing him to question his desire to continue playing, league sources said. The mental toll from a series of significant injuries that have diminished the production of the youngest NBA Most Valuable Player in history have played a part in the personal soul-searching on Rose’s future, league sources said.
Rose signed a one-year, $2.1 million veteran’s minimum deal to join the Cavaliers this season. So far, Cleveland has been patient with Rose’s needs and shown no inclination to suspend or dock him salary, league sources said. Because of the left ankle sprain, Rose isn’t healthy to play now anyway.
…
The Cavaliers say that Rose’s current absence is different than the Knicks situation because he is not an active player and he communicated with the franchise at the outset of his leave.”
While part of you has to feel for Rose and understand his frustration with yet another rehab stint, he still is being paid a lot of money to play for this organization and he needs to make a decision whether he is fully in or not soon.
The Cavaliers are currently winners of seven in a row, but still have an extreme need at the point guard position with Isaiah Thomas on the shelf as well and could use Rose’s services.
My guess is that he comes back and fills a small role for the team for the remainder of the season.
