Photo Credit: JERRY HOLT, STAR TRIBUNE
The Phenom Derrick Rose Turns 30
Last year was supposed to be the year Derrick Rose signs his super-max contract. Derrick Rose a max player? These days are long gone. Everyone knows, that Derrick Rose will never return to the level of play that saw him become the leagues youngest MVP in NBA history.
Many thought that his career has come to a point now, where he does not have an impact on teams anymore, me included.
After the New York Knicks weren’t interested in re-signing Rose last summer, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then during the Cavs’ trade-deadline bonanza, Rose was traded to the Utah Jazz and instantly was waived by them. While he cleared waivers, no team made a serious effort to pick Rose up. Until his former coach Tom Thibodeau wanted him to be the veteran backup off the bench, the Wolves needed.
It turned out to be a success for Rose. The former MVP really impressed in the first round of the playoffs and was one of Minnesota’s lone bright spots. Tom Thibodeau praised the way Rose played and the Wolves brought Rose back for this coming season.
Even despite his injuries and setbacks in his career in which have never seen him reach his MVP playing level again, people throughout the league and especially NBA fans still adore him. He was one of the most feared offensive players in the association, and now remains a solid fan favorite throughout NBA fan bases. I believe NBA fans want him to succeed so badly because of what he’s been through. I think it’s fair to say that Rose’s struggles throughout his career is relatable with the struggles individuals face in their everyday life.
No matter what situation we are faced with in life, we always have to look for a way to fight, and NBA fans sympathize with the journey Rose has undertaken in his career so far. It’s the ability of seeing someone overcome a difficult situation and come back that makes him a feel-good player around the association.
Rose, who turns 30 today, has had his first healthy offseason in (what feels like) ages. He went through training camp unharmed and impressed fans and teammates in his first preseason game.
We all hope for Rose to turn back the clock this coming season and become the player he once was destined to be.
