LA Clippers: One Last Look at Derrick Rose
With most free agents out of the market after the first three weeks of free agency, Derrick Rose remains. Does it make any sense for the LA Clippers to deal for Rose?
Derrick Rose is one of the more appealing targets left, having won the league MVP in 2011. Since then, his career has been derailed from constant injuries. The LA Clippers could afford him, but only with a minimum contract.
After his return and not even 10 games into the regular season, he tore his right meniscus. At this point, it was clear that Rose has lost his agility and explosiveness. He just was not the same out there; his footing was off and he was too prone to all types of injuries.
In 2015, Rose had a minor tear on the same meniscus. According to the Chicago Tribune, Rose missed only 20 games with this injury. He suffered left meniscus tear just at the end of last season. This is a major concern for everyone around the league, not just Derrick Rose.
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Although Rose and the Bucks had mutual interest and have already met, Joseph Zucker has reported the two have still not had a second meeting. Money seems to be the motivating factor in this standoff, because the Bucks are only capable of using $4.5-$5.5 million of their mid-level exception without passing the hard salary cap. Rose is playing the waiting game, in hopes for Milwaukee to deal a player or two, to pay Derrick the money he is expecting. Now, Rose has been linked to both the Cavaliers and the Lakers. Both options are probably more appealing.
Admittedly, the Clippers need more veteran players for the chemistry to spark with this new roster. Rose could be the fulfilling role of a veteran, but he may expect a bigger role than a backup guard. This is an issue with Beverley, Rivers and Teodosic sharing the minutes; including sixth man of the year candidate Lou Williams who earns a lot of time on the floor.
Where can Derrick Rose fit with the Clippers anyways? The guard spot is pretty heavy. We have Austin Rivers who has already proven himself a key player off the bench and defends well. He is most likely starting alongside newcomer, Patrick Beverly. Milos Teodosic will probably earn a good amount of minutes while paired with Lou Williams off the bench.
Last year Derrick Rose averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists a game. Alarmingly, he still struggles from deep only attempting 60 three’s last year, and finishing 21% from deep. Also, considering his defense is poor and he turns the ball over often, he just does not make his teammates better. The Clippers and Rose will not be a match that any of us should expect, nor want.
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