In July, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired All Star point guard Derrick Rose from the New York Knicks. At the time, most thought Rose would serve as a backup behind Isaiah Thomas, who is also a new addition to the team. However, Thomasā lingering hip issues, which could keep him out until January, have forced head coach Tyronn Lueās hand. Now, with a clean slate and a new uniform, Rose has been named the Cavsā starting point guard.
Like all of his other new teammates, Tristan Thompson is excited to have Rose joining the Cavaliersā backcourt rotation. In an interview with Cavs Nation after todayās practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts, āDouble-T,ā as he has came to be known, said Rose ācan still play at a high level.ā
āIām really excited about Derrick Rose,ā Thompson said. āHe looked great in Santa Barbara and heās having fun. I thought we got a steal, especially with his numbers and how he played last year with the Knicks. They had so much going on, but if you look at his game and what heās able to do, he could still play at a high level. Iām glad that we got him on our team.ā
Rose, a 28-year-old former NBA MVP (2011), should be a fine addition to the Cavsā lineup. In his 64 games played for the Knickerbockers last season, the former No. 1 overall selection in the 2008 Draft (Bulls) averaged 18 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 4.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 32.5 minutes per game.
While itās true that Rose has his own history of injuries, it seems as though he is physically prepared for the upcoming 82-game grind. With any luck, this new venture with the Cavs could be just what the doctor ordered with regards to his rebounding career.
