NBA players’ careers don’t always go as planned. They may start at the top in their early 20s but fall to the bottom in their mid-30s.
Sadly, that's been the case for a former MVP and three-time All-Star who is now looking for a new city to call home.
“Just In: The Memphis Grizzlies are waiving former NBA MVP Derrick Rose,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday.
Last season, Rose played in 24 games for the Grizzlies before suffering a season-ending back injury toward the end of the year. Rose got off to a promising start to his career back in 2008. He was selected No.1 overall by the Chicago Bulls and became an immediate contributor for the Eastern Conference contenders.
He averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists per game as a first-year pro, which was good enough for a Rookie of the Year nod. Rose’s 25 points and 7.7 assists per contest two seasons later made him the NBA’s MVP at age 22. Rose also guided the Bulls to a 62-win regular season and conference finals appearance.
Unfortunately, Rose tore his ACL the following season after landing awkwardly in a first-round playoff game. He eventually returned to the court after missing the remainder of the postseason but suffered additional injuries with the Bulls.
The 6-foot-3 guard was once an athletic freak bold enough to test prolific shot blockers at the rim. He was one of the most explosive two-foot leapers in the NBA early in his career, but injuries have made it difficult for him to return to his original form. Since parting ways with Chicago in 2016, Rose has played for six different franchises in eight years.
With Rose on the market, it may be beneficial for the Heat to take a look at the former MVP. Miami has talented guards on their roster entering training camp, but they could use a mature, 35-year-old veteran who would be able to control their second unit. If Miami wants to take on the challenge of rekindling Rose's career, we could see him in South Beach regularly.
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