Cleveland Cavaliers: Can Derrick Rose be the Cavaliers’ Andre Iguodala?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have revamped their roster, and more importantly their bench, to better matchup with the Golden State Warriors.

The acquisition of Derrick Rose could prove to be the most important one for the Cavs. The big question is: Can Rose be for the Cleveland Cavaliers what Andre Iguodala is for the Warriors?

Andre Iguodala is oddly and unquestionably one of the Golden State Warriors’ most important players. I say oddly because even with a team that consists of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green; Andre Iguodala consistently demonstrates his importance.

In three of the four years Iguodala has played with Golden State, he has come off the bench. However, even in the circumstance of not starting, Iguodala still plays pivotal minutes every single game. For the past three years, he is averaging 26.6 minutes per game. In addition, he has been in the running for Sixth Man of the Year award; finishing in the top 4 for the past three years. In the 2015 NBA Finals, Iguodala won the Finals MVP award for his effort of guarding LeBron James. He even showed his importance in last year’s Finals, posting a +60 plus-minus, the highest from any player in that series.

What the Cavaliers have lacked over the years is a player who dominates in his role of the bench. Someone who can contribute with the second unit and the starters. However this year. they might have finally found that player. Derrick Rose.

While Rose was brought here to be the back up of Kyrie Irving, things took a turn and that is no longer an option. Instead, he is now the starting point guard for the Cavs for the time Isaiah Thomas is out. However, when Isaiah Thomas does return, Rose will come off the bench, as previously planned.

Rose, who has been playing very well throughout the preseason, will be arguably even more important of a player off the bench than he is as a starter. He will be given the chance to lead the second unit, and play alongside the starters as well.

If Rose can be “Iguodala-esque” off the bench, he will give the Cavaliers a very good chance to return to the top of the NBA world, and win another title. The tough part will be for Rose to remain healthy.

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The easy part will be for Rose to keep playing the way he’s been playing and show just how valuable he actually is.