Many have surmised that a big reason for Derrick Rose's renaissance this season has been due to the presence of Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota.
However, on Sunday, Thibodeau was fired by the Timberwolves after a rather tumultuous two and a half year run as head coach and team president, prompting some to feel that a decline for Rose is imminent.
But Rose would have none of it.
When asked how he would manage without the man he has known since his early days with the Chicago Bulls, Rose had this to say:
“I have a lot of confidence in myself,” he said, according to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. “Thibs was just the coach that believed in me. He jump-started my career again and for that I'll always be thankful, but for everybody that think that it's going to stop, kill yourself.”
Rose was clearly emotional about the decision, but this certainly wasn't the best choice of words. He quickly apologized:
I messed up by using the slang term “kill yourself” today in response to a question about whether I can continue to perform without coach Thibs. I did not mean it literally and regret using it so I apologize.
— Derrick Rose (@drose) January 7, 2019
In 32 games primarily off the bench this season, Derrick Rose is averaging 18.9 assists, 4.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds over 29.8 minutes per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the floor, 46.2 percent from 3-point range and 83.8 percent from the free-throw line.
This is by far Rose's best year since his MVP year with the Bulls back during the 2010-11 campaign, as injuries—particularly involving his knees—have derailed the 30-year-old since 2012.
The Timberwolves signed Rose late last season after he was waived by the Utah Jazz following a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with which Rose began the 2017-18 campaign.
Thus far this season, Minnesota is 19-21. Overall, Thibodeau went 97-107 during his stint with the franchise, leading the team to the playoffs last year for the first time since 2004.
Follow Us
Subscribe