Derrick Rose’s career rapidly changed after spending his first eight seasons in the NBA with his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. He was unexpectedly traded to the New York Knicks, after winning an MVP and having many great memories in Chicago. It initially hurt Derrick as he had spent so much time with Chicago and it was his hometown team, he had a lot of ups and downs, but he loved the city, it was close to his heart. But understanding it’s business, D-Rose had just to keep moving forward and had a solid season playing alongside Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis in New York.
Rose averaged 18 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per contest as a Knick, but at seasons end, he knew he didn’t want to stay in The Empire State.
As a free agent after the 2016-17 season concluded, Derrick Rose decided to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a veterans minimum contract worth $2.1 million over one-year. A lot speculated why Derrick took a huge pay cut, but Rose has stressed that winning is a lot more important than money at this point in his career and he also spoke about the difference between playing in Cleveland and New York.
D-Rose feels more freedom in The Land
Usually, the more superstar talent on a team, the less freedom, and touches each player gets. But according to Derrick Rose, this Cleveland Cavaliers stacked with superstars including LeBron James, Kevin Love and Dwyane Wade is giving him a lot more comfort and freedom than his previous team, the New York Knicks.
Derrick Rose spoke on why he chose to join Cleveland instead of re-signing with New York:
“[With The Cleveland Cavaliers], I get to do whatever I want… In New York, I couldn’t. It was just simple. That’s why I made the transition.”
Although the Cavaliers have gotten off to a slow start at 3-2, and Rose has missed the last three games with a minor injury.
The preseason and first two games of the season was already enough time for Derrick to feel the new comfort in Cleveland, as he averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the first two games. Although those numbers are likely going to skyrocket as the Cavs pick up speed this season, and the chemistry between the players and the coaching staff starts clicking.
Cavs can be scary
Right now the Cleveland Cavaliers are not nearly what they can be heading into the playoffs this season, with minor day-to-day injuries to Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade and a month-to-month injury to Isaiah Thomas, they are not at their full potential. Once superstar point guard Isaiah Thomas returns in December/January, the Cavaliers will finally be at full health (barring any injuries) and can finish the season and gain the chemistry needed heading into the playoffs in April. If the Cavs get rolling, we will likely see them once again in the NBA Finals, for the fourth straight year.
