Derrick Rose's career has had peaks, but more valleys. However, he has transformed himself into a reliable player in today's NBA. Gone are the days of wondering whether Rose will return to MVP form. Now, we just expect Rose to be an 18-20 point scorer. Rose is now playing for the Detroit Pistons-his fifth NBA team of his career. And so far, he's playing like its 2011. He's averaging 25.3 points per game, on a 64.6 percent field goal clip. Yes, it's through three games but it's stellar nonetheless.

But with injuries to Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin, the Pistons could use more of Rose, breaking him into the 40 minute-per-game threshold. However, Rose is putting the breaks on that talk, wanting to make sure he's in the right mindset to handle that workload.

“Not this soon. It plays a part in playing through fatigue. It’s still early. I’m in shape but to actually be in and doing all that I’m doing and having the same mindset to play while I’m fatigued, it takes some time to adjust to that.

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To also point out the obvious, it may also be due to Rose wanting to save his body from the rigors of a lot of minutes. Last season, averaged 18 points per game in 51 games, before missing the rest of the season with an elbow injury. With his injury history, Rose know self-awareness wins every time. No need in putting his body through rigors that will put his body at further risk.

For now, it will be smart for the Pistons to appreciate the splendid basketball that Rose is playing. Bet on his body when it matters most later in the season.