No other sport in the world has as many “what if” stories as the NBA. In a league full of rising stars, superstars and living legends, you’re only one incident or injury away from changing your legacy and the course of your career.
A player that knows this better than anyone is Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose, who has had one of the more unfortunate falls from grace the league has ever seen.
Rose, who is now 29 years of age became the youngest player to ever win the league MVP award in 2011, before dreaded knee injuries derailed what promised to be an all-time great career. Comeback after comeback, heartbreak after heartbreak, Rose has had to endure the sad reality of injuries and health changing your personal narrative.
Sadly, Rose is now a shadow of his former explosive self, and has since struggled to find his place in the league. Despite that, even though his body can’t do everything it used to, the six-foot-three guard still shows glimpses of the supreme basketball talent we fell in love with.
Because of this, former and current players still praise Rose and the abilities he still possesses despite everything he’s gone through, and the latest player to do so is veteran guard Jamal Crawford, who told Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson on Scoop B Radio that he still recognizes Rose as one of the game’s elite guards even to this day.
“His athleticism is still there. He’s still as fast as any guard out there. He would have some practices where he’d just dominate and get to the lane at will, hit shots, hit mid-range shots and floaters, all the reasons people love him. And he can do all those things. He would just run back so nonchalant, like I could do this whenever I want. He didn’t say that, but his play was so easy for him, so I think that’s something he’s going to show more this year and people will be pleasantly surprised.”
Rose started last season with championship aspirations alongside LeBron James and company for the Cleveland Cavaliers but his time at the franchise didn’t last long. Rose again battled injuries and then had to take a leave of absence from the game after going through some personal issues and contemplating retirement after yet another injury setback.
He was then traded by the Cavs and eventually picked up by the Timberwolves where he linked up with Crawford and old coach Tom Thibodeau.
Rose went on to shine in the playoffs for the Timberwolves, averaging 14.2 points on 50.9% shooting and 70% from downtown off the bench in their five-game run.
He has since re-signed with the franchise for another year at $2.3 million and will look to contribute to a winning situation yet again.
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