NBA players’ careers don’t always go as planned. They may start at the top in their early 20s, but fall to the bottom of the ladder in their mid-30s.
Unfortunately, it is this was the case for a former MVP and a three-time All-Star who is now looking for a new city to live.
“Just In: The Memphis Grizzlies waive former NBA MVP Derrick Rose,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday.
Last season, Rose played in 24 games for the Grizzlies before suffering a season-ending back injury late in the year. Rose had a promising start to his career 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 enough to be named Rookie of the Year. Rose’s 25 points and 7.7 assists two seasons later made him the NBA MVP at age 22. Rose also guided the Bulls to a 62-win regular season and a conference finals appearance.
Unfortunately, Rose tore his ACL the following season after landing awkwardly during a first-round playoff game. He finally returned to the court after missing the rest of the playoffs, 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 jumpers in the NBA early in his career, but injuries prevented him from returning 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 could be beneficial for the Heat to take a look at the former MVP. Miami has some talented guards on its 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 reviving Rose’s career, he could be seen regularly in South Beach.
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