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Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Rose got killed by the Chicago and national media during the 2012-13 season when he was on the Chicago Bulls.
Rose sat out the entire season after tearing his left ACL during the 2012 playoffs. Some would say Rose was the catalyst for load management, a wave which has taken over the NBA.
Back in Chicago to face the Bulls, Rose talked about the load management craze, via K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago:
Does leaguewide emphasis on load management vindicate Rose for 12-13 decision? "I mean, it’s not for me to say that. It’s funny though. At the time, I knew what was right for my body. My body is different than any other player in the league. And I feel like I needed a year."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 31, 2019
Kawhi Leonard was load managed by the Toronto Raptors last season. It paid off, as the Raptors won the championship over the Golden State Warriors and Leonard won his second Finals MVP.
Leonard, like Rose, was bashed by pundits during the 2017-18 season when he only played nine games with the San Antonio Spurs. It's clear players are going to trust their bodies despite getting cleared by team doctors to play.
Rose has undergone four knee surgeries since winning the MVP award back in 2011 with the Bulls. He listens to his body more than anyone now. The Pistons guard remains one of the quickest players in the league despite the four knee operations he's had.
Through the Pistons' first five games of the season, Rose is averaging 20.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists. The Chicago native is shooting 55.3 percent from the field.
