Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose has been out of the team’s lineup for quite some time due to an ankle injury. In fact, the former league MVP has only played in seven games with the Cavs this season, averaging 14.3 points on 47.0 percent shooting from the field, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Though he’s been forced to watch from the sidelines for quite a while, it sounds like Rose could be well enough to participate in Thursday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic.
After Wednesday practice session at Cleveland Clinic Courts, Rose, now 29 years of age, explained why it has taken so long for his ankle to heal.
“I didn’t know it was going to take so long,” Rose told Nikki Goel of Cavs Nation. “I’m 29, bro. Lot of minutes and a lot of work on my craft. It’s just usage.”
Both Rose and Iman Shumpert, who is recovering from knee surgery, participated in Wednesday’s practice. However, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue would not disclose their status for Thursday’s game.
“I’m feeling good,” Rose said. “It looks like it’s a go for tomorrow, but we’ll see how I feel tonight and tomorrow morning. Gotta make sure my body is alright. Gotta make sure I hydrate, stretch, and do all of the little things that give me a chance to play in tomorrow’s game.
“I feel good,” Rose said in closing. “I haven’t had any set-backs.”
