Derrick Rose's career could come to an abrupt end after an unsuccessful stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who presented the clear opportunity to prove himself as a starting-caliber player in this league.
The former 2010-11 MVP was only a shadow of himself — afraid of the 3-point line, afraid of the contact he once sought with defenders on their heels and ultimately unable to prove much through 16 games with the Cavs and yet another impromptu exit for personal reasons for the second year in a row.
After being part of a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings, Rose was waived by the former and has gone unclaimed for three weeks, with no executives showing any clear signs of interest in what is largely perceived as a reclamation project.
“The injuries and lack of enthusiasm to play hurts him,” a Western Conference executive told Ken Berger of Bleacher Report.
Rose's typical meek demeanor and emotionless facial expressions during practice, games, and with the media have rendered him as just non-caring. Almost a vegetable version of his MVP-self, that was already a somewhat timid star, whose fame and glory seemed too big for his 6-foot-3 frame.
“Everyone's holding on to him being the MVP,” a person close to Rose told Bleacher Report. “He knows what he can do in this league. It's just a matter of trying to find the right fit for him and his talent.”
Yet the once-freakishly-athletic point man is holding out hope he can make a roster with only 20 or so games left for most teams this season.
“I know how good I am,” he said. “And right now, the only thing that I'm missing is an opportunity. Just being patient and taking my time.”
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