Cleveland Cavaliers point guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has been out of action since Nov. 7, where he played 25 minutes and left with an ankle injury. Ever since that injury, Rose has contemplated retiring from the NBA, frustrated with the ongoing injury problems he has suffered through since he won his NBA MVP with the Chicago Bulls in 2011. However, it seems that the time away from his Cavaliers might have helped clear up his mind and it looks like Rose might be ready to make a decision on his return.
What will Derrick Rose decide?
According to Bleacher Report, Derrick Rose flew into Cleveland on Monday morning and he will start to work his way back onto the court following this recent self-imposed exile from his teammates and coaches. Rose left the Cleveland Cavaliers last month because of his frustrations over all the injuries in his career, this recent one an ankle injury that has caused him to miss the last 12 games.
During those 12 games, the Cleveland Cavaliers have shot off to a very impressive 11-game winning streak and have moved ahead of the Toronto Raptors into second place in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers are now only 3.5 games back of the Boston Celtics in their conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said that the team is supportive of Derrick Rose as he attempts to re-join his teammate's and get back on the court. He has not been cleared to return to play yet but he will start to work with his team and prepare to play again this season.
The effect on the Cleveland Cavaliers
If Derrick Rose returns soon, that will strengthen the depth of a Cleveland Cavaliers team that might see itself stronger than it has been in the last three NBA Finals seasons.
Not only is Derrick Rose returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers and getting in condition to make his return but Dwyane Wade is finally playing like the Cavaliers expected him to when they signed him this offseason.
Wade, a shooting guard by trade, is working as the point guard with the second team and has excelled in the 11-game winning streak. In the last 10 games, Wade is averaging 14.8 points from the bench along with 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Jose Calderon has been starting at point guard and working with LeBron James running the offense on the first team. In the last 10 games, he has a 3.3 point-per-game average and Derrick Rose should average more baskets when he returns.
The big news is that Isaiah Thomas might be just a few weeks away from making his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers as well. With Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade and Jose Calderon, as well as Kyle Korver, who is averaging 10.9 over the last 10 games, and JR Smith, the Cavaliers could have the depth at guard to possibly overcome the Golden State Warriors by the time the season comes to an end.