After being away from the team for several days to contemplate his future in the NBA (and recover from an ankle injury), it sounds like Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose is ready to return.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rose, now 29 years of age, flew to Cleveland on Monday morning to meet with members of the Cavs front office.
Just a few minutes after his initial report, Wojnarowski confirmed that Rose will indeed meet with Cavaliers doctors on Monday morning to begin the rehab process on his ankle.
Via Joe Vardon of cleveland.com:
“This has been a very challenging and difficult time for Derrick,” Cavs general manager Koby Altman said in a news release. “We will continue to provide him with support and have patience as he re-joins his teammates and works his way back on to the court.”
The Cavs, now winners of 11 consecutive games (longest active streak in the NBA), were always expecting Rose to return to the team. And in fact, head coach Tyronn Lue recently said the crafty ball-handler could take as much time off as needed.
In his seven games played for the Cavs this season, Derrick Rose has turned in averages of 14.3 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists — all while knocking down 90.5 percent of his free-throws.
After Saturday night’s 116-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, numerous reports came down the wire stating that Rose had been in “positive communications” with the Cavs, but Lue and general manager Koby Altman declined to comment on the situation at that time.
The Cavs will be back in action on Monday night when they face off against the Chicago Bulls inside the United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST with Fox Sports Ohio and WGN having live broadcast coverage. Let’s see if they can keep their winning momentum rolling.
