The Cleveland Cavaliers have proven that their blunder early this season can be remedied, winning all their last seven games. That’s also the same time when Derrick Rose was sidelined with a sprained left ankle. Now, reports suggest that Rose is contemplating on his future in the league because of injuries that prevent him from playing one full season.
Add to that is the impending return of isaiah thomas. As what the latest reports say, Thomas might be able to play for the Cavaliers starting this December. But as what Cavs fans and even sports analysts and commentators, Rose will remain a crucial factor even after Thomas returns from injury.
D-Rose not yet retiring
According to league sources, Derrick Rose is frustrated due to different injuries that hampered his career since being crowned as the youngest NBA Most Valuable Player, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Because of this, Rose is said to be contemplating on retiring from the league soon, as some reports suggested.
However, retirement is far from the discussion between Rose’s camp and the Cleveland Cavaliers front office. In fact, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue announced last week that Rose would still be out for at least two more weeks to ensure that he’s fully recovered from his ankle injury. This is the reason he was not fined the way the New York Knicks did to him early this year.
In addition, in the seven games he played for the Cavaliers, Derrick Rose has shown flashes of his old self. Proof to this is his 14.3 points per game average even with limited playing time.
One thing more, retiring from the league would immediately terminate his contract with Adidas. According to ESPN, Derrick Rose still has seven years left of the 13-year, $185 contract he signed back in 2012.
As a protection to Adidas, should Rose decides to retire, the exit clause kicks in.
Isaiah Thomas, to play this December?
On a positive note, the long-awaited debut of Isaiah Thomas wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey may happen very soon. Earlier, reports suggest that the 28-year old point guard, who was sidelined with a hip injury since the Eastern Conference Finals, might be able to return to basketball activities by January.
Yet in his latest tweet, Thomas suggested that he’s “locked in” and “it’s almost time” though he did not elaborate any further; a normal teaser he always does on social media. Though it could be interpreted in a different aspect, many Cavs fans and even sports analysts believe that the 5’9” squeaky guard is referring to his imminent return to the basketball court.
According to Wojnarowski, the Cleveland Cavaliers are confident that Thomas will be able to play by December. Reports suggest that the two-time All-Star point guard “has been increasing the progression and intensity of his rehabilitation and workouts.”
Crucial for the Cavs
The emergence of super teams and small-ball lineup almost instantly level the playing field in the NBA.
With more teams trying to imitate the Golden State Warriors’ roster and style of play, it’s no longer just a matter of waiting game of who’s going to play for the NBA Finals. This is especially true in the Eastern Conference with nine teams over fifty percent win-loss margin.
With the Kyrie Irving-led Boston Celtics expected to cruise past the playoffs and into the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be all hands on deck if they want to return to the NBA Finals. Having a healthy Derrick Rose and Isaiah Thomas should give Kyrie a 48-minute barrage of headaches.
