Thanks to LeBron James’ herculean effort, the Cleveland Cavaliers have regained their mojo and are now riding the NBA’s longest active winning streak at seven. You heard that right, from having a taste of what it’s like to be outside of the top eight in the East, the Cavs have leapfrogged their way to the third spot in the conference.
The Cavs are winning, yes. LeBron James’ stats look darn good. But those who know how the Cavs operate in the regular season understand that this pace isn’t ideal. James needs others to help preserve his body for the deep playoff run ahead. The anticipation has been geared toward Isaiah Thomas’ looming return, but the attention of the Cleveland faithful took a sudden turn in Derrick Rose’s direction.
It was recently reported that Rose has elected to take some time off and away from the Cavs, and also the NBA in general, to reassess his future and conduct some soul searching.
After the home win over the Charlotte Hornets, James addressed his teammate’s situation, electing to look at the bigger picture — one that extends far beyond the basketball court.
“We want, whatever he decides to do, we want the best for him. At the end of the day, you can’t substitute nothing for happiness. And obviously, we know the injuries that he’s been going through his whole career. We hope this ain’t the end, but if it is, I was happy I got an opportunity to spend a couple months with him and watch him be the great point guard that he once was.”
“But at the end of the day, a clearer head, there’s no substitute for that. We want the best for Derrick. … No matter if he comes back, no matter if he doesn’t, we want him as an individual, as a man, as a father to be just happy with whatever decision he makes.”
Derrick Rose dazzled Cavs fans with glimpses of his vintage self en route to averaging 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 27 minutes per game before being forced to sit out due to another injury. Early on, Rose himself was thrust in a situation that wasn’t ideal for him in Cleveland.
He didn’t sign up to become the team’s starting point guard. But the Kyrie Irving trade forced him to man the starting point guard spot until Isaiah Thomas’ return, allowing his body to be well-rested and utilized to the max during some stretches. However, the debut of the team’s prolific bench backcourt featuring Rose and Dwyane Wade is now in limbo following the former MVP’s abrupt leave, which is permitted by the front office.
No one knows when Derrick Rose will return — perhaps not even himself. But just like LeBron James, the entire organization and its fans are rallying behind him, all hoping that he finds clarity not for his basketball career, but for his life in general.
