Derrick Rose was the 2011 NBA MVP. That fact has been buried under legal drama and consistent knee injuries that have kept him out of commission for long periods of time.
Rose will resurface as a Cleveland Cavalier this season, following a fourth knee surgery that ended his lone season with the New York Knicks in early April. Prior to his departure, the guard averaged 18 points a game with a team that just can’t seem to get it together. Some may look at the season-ending injury as “merciful”. Rose was not a fan of the Triangle offense and referred to his season with the Knicks as crazy and confusing.
After earning $21 million last season, Rose will only make $2 million after signing for the minimum to play alongside LeBron James. The trade controversy involving Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving hasn’t been high on his list of concerns; he’s willing to play with whomever ends up wearing the Cavaliers uniform.
Instead, the guard who was once looked upon as a major star in the NBA is focusing on getting back to form. Rose has been working out a minimum of five days per week with days dedicated to strength and agility in addition to basketball work.
Rose tore his ACL in 2012 and has had three meniscus surgeries since then. The knee problems combined with back, hamstring, ankle, and foot issues to limit Rose to only 10 of a possible 164 games from 2012 to 2014.
Rose’s durability does not concern Cavs GM Koby Altman who says that Rose fits in with the Cavs due to “his specific mindset, goals and total focus and commitment to winning.”
Winning is something that Rose has a desire to get back to even at the expense of a few million dollars.