Based on the scoring presence he still provides and the bargain bin contract he agreed to, Derrick Rose is a great signing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tuesday afternoon, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced the signing of former MVP point guard, Derrick Rose. Rose comes to the Cavs after a one-year stint in the big apple with the New York Knicks and seven years in the Windy City with the Bulls.When you look at this deal from all aspects, it’s a great signing for the Cavs — essentially a no-brainer.
First off, despite not being the MVP-calibar player he once was, Rose is still a reliable scoring outlet. Last year, he averaged 18.0 points per game, which was the highest scoring output he’s put forth since tearing his ACL back in 2012.
He still attacks the rack at ease, and while not the physical specimen he once was, remains an aggressive player on the offensive end. Another positive from Rose’s 2016-17 play was his efficiency. Last year, Rose shot 47.1% from the field — his most efficient field goal percentage since the 2009-10 season.
The ability to play with an aggressive mentality is in Rose’s DNA; in his eyes, he’s still one of the best point guards in the NBA.
The lingering question pertaining to Rose now revolves around what his precise role will be in Cleveland?
Currently, Rose is slated to be the Cavs’ backup point guard behind Kyrie Irving — which could be an asset for the 2016 NBA Champions. With an electric, offensive threat like Rose now in the fold, the Cavs have added a much-needed scoring presence to their bench — which was the 3rd worst in the NBA in points per game last season.
While Rose is currently slotted in as the team’s backup point guard, is it possible that the former MVP could be granted the starting gig in the near future?
Last week, news was leaked that Irving requested a trade from the Cavs. Reportedly looking to separate himself from LeBron James, Irving wants to be traded somewhere where he can be “the man” — which he cannot be in Cleveland behind James.
Given the damage that’s been done and the amount of information pertaining to the situation that’s been released, chances are Irving may very well be dealt. If and when that transpires, the Cavs can look to Rose to be their lead guard.
Rose is not the superstar player he once was, but he’s still a starter in this league. And if there’s one player that could elevate his game, it’s LeBron James.
Another factor to take into his consideration is the similarities in Rose and Irving’s game.
Both players are explosive, ball dominant guards. They can create their own shot and serve as go-to scoring options. In addition to their scoring prowess, they both possess alpha dog mentalities; just look at Irving’s recent trade request as proof of that notion.
The biggest difference between the two is that one will be making $19 million (Irving) and the other will be making the league minimum (Rose) in the 2017-18 season — which is the most notable and important part of his signing.
After years of being one of the highest paid players on his team, Rose settled for the veteran’s minimum to come to Cleveland. Think about that: A 28-year-old point guard, coming off a relatively good season, accepted a deal for the veteran’s minimum.
Regardless of whether you feel Rose is a ball hog or a top-tier point guard, signing him for the veteran’s minimum is a complete steal.
If he backs up Irving, he’ll be utilized as a spark plug off the bench, coming in and providing instant offense. If Irving is dealt, then Rose will get the starting nod, and given how his play resembles that of Irving, he’ll likely gel well with James and company.
While not the MVP point guard he once was, inking Rose to a veteran’s minimum deal was a no-brainer for the Cavs.
