Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James admitted that he hasn’t spoken to starting point guard Derrick Rose since the latter decided to leave the team to clear his mind and decide on his future after suffering an ankle injury that has sidelined him since November 7. During that span, Rose has missed 11 games. Per Nick Friedell of ESPN, James said the Cavaliers are not pressuring Rose to provide a clear answer regarding his future with the team. According to James, the Cavaliers want Rose to do what's best for him and his family. Adrian Wojnarowski, earlier, reported that Rose is communicating with the team, but his status remains unclear.
It was also Wojnarowksi who reported that Rose is evaluating his future in the NBA as his injuries have taken their toll on him mentally. The Cavaliers are playing well without Rose as they are on a 10-game winning streak.
James wishes Rose well
Earlier, James claimed that Rose’s absence doesn’t mean much for the team as they have other players who can perform playmaking duties. However, he wished his teammate well in whatever decision he makes regarding his NBA career. In seven games this season, Rose is averaging 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 26.9 minutes of play. Rose signed a one-year deal worth $2.1 million with the Cavaliers, saying he will bet on himself this season, expecting his pay to double in 2018.
Rose won the MVP trophy during the 2010-11 season, but his promising career was derailed by multiple injuries, including a torn ACL in 2012. In 477 career games, the 29-year-old Rose averaged 19.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Former teammates, coach show support
Tom Thibodeau, Rose’s former coach with the Chicago Bulls, is hoping that the former All-Star guard could find the joy that defined the early part of his NBA career.
"Whatever it is that he decides, I would support him 100 percent,” said Thibodeau, who is now coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves. Former Bulls teammate Taj Gibson, for his part, believes that Rose will return to playing, saying he needs just a little space to clear his head. Gibson said Rose is a smart guy and needs to take some time off to decide.
However, it remains unclear when Rose will return to the Cavaliers. The Bulls took Rose as their No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Memphis. Rose played eight seasons with the Bulls and one year with the New York Knicks before signing with the Cavaliers.
