According to a report from ESPN's Adam Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose is away from the team and contemplating his career in basketball. A Cavaliers source explained that Rose is tired of his consistent injuries and he is worn down mentally as much as he's been worn down physically. All of his injuries throughout the years are factoring into his decision.
Rose's MVP season and downfall
Derrick Rose came into the league in 2008 after being drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls. He performed above-average from his very first game. He averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists, garnering the MVP for the 2010-11 NBA season. At age 22, he is the youngest player to receive the MVP award. He led the Chicago Bulls to a playoff run that season, where he tore his ACL against the Philadephia 76ers.
He also missed the 2012-2013 NBA season due to an ACL injury. Once Rose returned to the 2014-2015 NBA season, he missed most of the season due to a meniscus tear.
He was on the court during the playoffs, but required surgery again for the meniscus he tore earlier that year. He played for the entire 2015-2016 NBA season however, Rose's performance was nothing compared to his former self. There were sparks of greatness but, nothing consistent.
Derrick Rose was traded to the New York Knicks prior the beginning of the 2016-2017 NBA season. He played considerably well throughout the season until he suffered another tear in his meniscus, requiring season-ending surgery. This would be his fourth season-ending surgery in his nine-year career. Prior to the 2017-2018 season, Rose was traded to the Cavaliers where he is currently out due to lingering ankle injuries.
Derrick Rose's future
The three-time All-Star can still play basketball even with his injury history. Out of his seven games played for Cleveland, he's averaged 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. These are good numbers for a role player on limited minutes. However, the Cavaliers' front office is giving Rose time to decide what he wants to do. Reports say that Rose has not been with the team for almost a week and his absence has been fully excused by the head coach, Tyronn Lue.
Given Rose's situation, retirement is not out of the question. His position on the Cavaliers will be limited once the starting point guard, Isiah Thomas, recovers from his hip injury. In addition, his body is suffering from new injuries such as his ankle. At this point, he may have to choose what is the best decision for his body.