Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose has been out of the team’s lineup since Nov. 7 due to bone spurs and a sprained left ankle. However, it sounds like the former league MVP might be well enough to return to action during the Cavs’ current five-game road trip.
According to a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, Rose, now 29 years of age, will take some minutes (and possibly games) from Dwyane Wade, who has been serving as the team’s secondary point guard. Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue says Rose coming back will help preserve Wade for the postseason.
“I think playing D Wade on a lot of back to backs has been tough for him,” Lue told Cleveland.com after Friday’s team practice in Orlando. “Some games where he doesn’t feel great, but we don’t really have the extra ball handler to sit him. So when D Rose gets back, he’ll definitely help with that and help with D Wade getting his rest and being able to feel good on the floor.”
Vardon also reports that Isaiah Thomas, who made a return of his own earlier this week, will officially take the reigns at starting point guard on Saturday against the Orlando Magic, though he’ll still be restricted in back-to-back scenarios — for now.
Wade, 35, has played well for the Cavs thus far. In his 35 games played this season, the former Marquette Golden Eagles stand-out has turned in averages of 11.1 points on 44.1 percent shooting from the field, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Coach Lue says Wade is on-board with this new plan of attack.
“I talked to him already,” Lue said with a smile. “(Wade is) 50-years old, so, sometimes you just don’t have it. But with all the guys being out, just don’t have the luxury right now. So we talked about it. He understands and he’s for it.”
Rose, on the other hand, has averaged 14.3 points in his seven appearances with the Cavs this season. He says he just wants to help the team any way he can.
“It’s whatever they want,” Rose said. “I’m not trying to be a distraction to the team or anything like that. I’m here to be a professional about any situation I get put into and to own up to it and be a man about it. I just want to win. No matter how many minutes I’m playing, I’m not a stat guy. I did all that in the past, now it’s time for me to win a championship.”
After participating in Friday’s practice session with no ill effects, Rose was asked about his status going forward. He says there is no pain in the left ankle he sprained on Oct. 20.
“I haven’t had any pain, I haven’t had any setbacks,” Rose said. “If anything I’ve been progressing every day and every week, so I’m on the right track.”
This is certainly good news for the Cavs, as they could use a bit of help in their backcourt rotation.