Derrick Rose is ready to return to the Cavaliers, reports Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. The veteran point guard expressed that sentiment to GM Koby Altman this week, and the team is expected to address the situation today.
Rose left the team 11 days ago, reportedly frustrated over his latest injury, a sprained left ankle that has kept him out of action since November 9. He told management he needed some time to contemplate his future in the NBA after a long string of physical problems.
Rose’s decision was influenced at least partially by the $80MM still remaining on a 13-year, $185MM endorsement contract he signed with Adidas in 2012. He signed with Cleveland for the veterans’ minimum of $1,471,382 and doesn’t want to give up that extra income by quitting the game.
The Cavs may welcome Rose back, but that doesn’t mean he will go back to his former role. The team won its 11th straight game Saturday night and has found a successful combination with Jose Calderon starting at point guard and Dwyane Wade serving as the backup. Calderon isn’t getting typical playing time for a starter — he was on the court just 14 minutes last night — but the team is 7-1 with him in the starting lineup and coach Tyronn Lue will be reluctant to shake up a rotation that is working. Isaiah Thomas is expected to return from his hip injury sometime this month and take over the starting spot, which could leave Rose without any defined role.
Lloyd says Rose will have to work to rebuild trust in the locker room after walking away from the team. After disappearing on the Knicks for a game last season, Rose may be getting the reputation of someone who isn’t fully committed to basketball.
Saying Jose Calderon has been the reason for the success is a bit sophomorish as it’s usually the 2nd unit that has been bailing the Cavs bad starts with Jose on the floor. It’s why you see Jose on the bench as a cheerleader in the 4th Q.
I’d say you could put Rose right back in and have a little better +/- for the starting unit. Then you have Jose for PG duty during blowouts or for when there’s a few seconds at the end of quarters. Plus, when IT comes back and takes over the 1st unit from Rose, Rose can pout again and leave the team. Problem fixed.
This guy is overly dramatic. “Drama Queen”
He needs to train hard, work hard, play hard, Or just be quiet. I don’t leave work and tell them I’ll be back in ten days. I just don’t know if I want to work this job or not. Nope! I’d be fired. Suck it up buttercup!
Do you know him personally if so could u introduce me
I’m sure his agent and financial advisor(s) were giving him hell regarding the Addidas contract and potentially walking away from it. They stand to lose out as well.
Maybe his “break” will help him get over himself and his max contract dreams, and he will come back with a role.
I would have put him on the second unit, and started Wade, and Rose would have brought energy and charge off the bench… but Wade had a slow start, not ready for PG, while Rose was tearing it up. Niether was signed to start.
Wade should work well with Thomas.
He’s only coming back because of the Adidas contract. His NBA mind and heart are done. Very sad. Will remember the good ol’ days in a Bulls uniform.
By Christmas Isaiah Thomas will be the starter and Dwayne Wade the backup. Rose will get mop up minutes! Rose probably is coming back for the $16 million Adidas contract. Cavs have to put him on the bench. He can’t stay healthy on the floor!