Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Rose transformed his body in the offseason

Derrick Rose’s improved physique could improve his durability and defense.

According to Joe Gabriele of cavs.com, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose “transformed his body” and lost weight in the offseason. Rose is currently listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds by ESPN.

"Yesterday, we talked about the newly-svelte Kendrick Perkins, who came to CCC in tremendous shape.Aside from the 33-year-old big man, the most noticeably different guy might be Derrick Rose, who transformed his body and shed some weight in the offseason."

While a player like Kendrick Perkins losing weight is interesting because it means he’ll probably be more capable of keeping up with the Cavs’ up-and-down attack than some would expect, for Rose – a player who has suffered from a myriad of injuries – losing weight is the first sign of Rose taking his durability seriously. Losing weight (without losing muscle) will take pressure off of Rose’s bones and joints, likely to be a big help for a player who has (a) lost some of his natural athleticism over the years, (b) is at his best when attacking the rim and (c) has been walking around with a “Fragile” sign over his head for the past six seasons.

Rose has continuously talked about how being teammates with LeBron James gives him the chance to see first-hand how the notoriously durable King has managed to stay so healthy over the years. James watches his diet like no other (although he seems to have a certain affinity for wine), trains around the clock and has bought into simple activities like yoga and sci-fi technology like a cryochamber for flexibility and muscle recovery.

Like Rose told reporters on Media Day, playing for Cleveland is a win-win. Not only does he get a chance to have a significant role on a championship contender, he also gets to learn from a player who not only excels on the court but off of it as well.

A lighter Rose will, like Perkins, also be able to keep up with the Cavs’ preferred pace.

He won’t hesitate to attack the rim in halfcourt, especially after receiving a screen that allows him to accelerate towards to rack with a defender at his hip. Last season, Rose drove to the rim 10.0 times per game. That’s a trend that should continue with the Cavs.

Rose drove to the rim 10.0 times per game last season, a trend that should continue with the Cavs.

On the defensive end, shedding weight will improve Rose’s ability to keep up with opposing guards. Rose, who will likely play both guard positions, will need to keep up with both shifty and explosive ball-handlers and shooters who run around screen after screen in hopes of getting open. This will require a fair amount of stamina and agility on Rose’s part.

Last season, Rose was a better defender than given credit for but was still to prone to allowing perimeter penetration. Transforming his physique will make it easier for Rose to excel as a defender, after grading out as an above-average defender in various categories last season, including in isolation (59th percentile) and in the pick-and-roll (71st percentile).

The Cavs may be in store for a surprise season from Rose.