Derrick Rose is one of the biggest ‘What If’ stories in NBA history. He was as athletic, aggressive, strong, and quick as you’d seen in this league for a point guard, and took everybody by storm right out of the gate.
Even Rip Hamilton recently claimed that nobody wanted to face D-Rose in his prime. He was just special, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player that could’ve turned the Chicago Bulls into perennial Championship contenders again. That’s how he became the league’s youngest MVP ever.
Then, injuries happened. He couldn’t get his confidence back, he struggled to feel that desire to drive, draw contact, and put on the show he was used to putting prior to his injury-riddled couple of years.
Gladly, Rose overcame the desire to retire and brought back his fire to the league in the past couple of seasons, proving that even though he’s no longer an MVP candidate, he can still score in bunches and put everybody on notice any given night.
As a matter of fact, Rose posted very similar numbers this season than those he posted during his MVP campaign. That tells you two things. First: the NBA is a scorer’s league more now than ever, and second: he can still hoop at the highest level.
Rose averaged 25.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game per 36 mins this season with the Detroit Pistons, which were even better than his averages of 24.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and1.0 steals per 36 minutes during the 2010-11 MVP season.
D-Rose scored over 18 points with 5.6 assists per game in just 26 minutes a night this season, making 50 appearances and starting 15 games for the Pistons. Moreover, he finally looked willing and motivated to prove that he’s one of the most aggressive and talented players ever.
It’s a shame to think what could’ve been of his career if he stayed healthy but hey, he’s just 31 years old and it looks like he still has plenty left in the tank. Hopefully, he’ll eventually make his way to a contending team and win a well-deserved NBA championship. We’re all rooting for you, D-Rose.
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