Derrick Rose, who has recently re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers organization after a short self-imposed hiatus, could be writing of the NBA’s best stories.
Throughout the history of the league, the NBA has seen a wide array of pure talent that has been spoiled by injury. Players like Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, and even Shaun Livingston come to mind when talking about players that have had their careers take a hit by injury. However, Derrick Rose is doing his best to not let his injuries encapsulate his NBA career.
Rose sat out the entire 2012-2013 season, trying to recover from his various knee injuries. The following season, he managed to play just ten games. Over the course of the last three seasons, Rose has missed at the very least 15 games in each season. Rose has dealt with injuries on injuries, but so far, he has just fought through.
While many fans just think players get injured, rehab, and return to full strength, the reality is that repeated severe injuries take a toll on a player. While Rose, before his season in Cleveland, didn’t show much mental strain due to injuries, his lengthy self-imposed absence has created an atmosphere of concern around the former MVP.
However, the former MVP is now with the team. According to ESPN, Rose is planning to return to the team and continue his rehab process. ESPN also reported that General Manager Koby Altman said this about Rose’s break:
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"“This has been a very challenging and difficult time for Derrick,” Altman said in a statement. “We will continue to provide him with support and have patience as he re-joins his teammates and works his way back on to the court.”"
LeBron James, the Cavaliers’ superstar and floor leader, said this to the media that the team will support him and try to be a shield around him.
That said, it seems Rose has hit an all-time low in his basketball career. The 3x all-star was supposed to be a capable starting point guard for a championship level team in Cleveland. This could easily be the most pressure to succeed Rose has had on him in years. Over the last couple seasons, Rose’s teams have not been expected to be great. Rose himself has not been in the spotlight like he was when he agreed to join the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, with every fall, a rise is possible. Derrick Rose could be writing of the NBA’s best comeback stories this season. If he can manage to regain his strength and refocus his time and efforts on rehabbing and becoming a better fit in Cleveland, the guard could play a vocal role in winning a championship, something Rose has never come particularly close to competing for.
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The ball is in Rose’s court now. His team backs him up, but he needs to get his mind and body going in the right direction to be of use for the Cavaliers.