Derrick Rose probably isn’t the solution at point guard for the LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers are going to look to make changes this offseason. According to reports, one of those changes will be attempting to upgrade the point guard position. Everyone and their mother have seen that report and for some reason they all flock to one person: Derrick Rose.
This ain’t it, chief.
Patrick Beverley is a solid player and was not a negative for the team this season. Despite his solid defense and three point shooting, the team needs more of a playmaker in the position. Derrick Rose does not fill that role. I’m not even sure he would fit this team much better than Reggie Jackson did as a reserve guard.
Rose averages 5.6 assists for his career which is slightly more than Beverley’s 3.5 but he still doesn’t come off as a playmaker to the eye test. There’s also the concern over his defense and three point shooting.
Sure, the Clippers might get a slight bump in assists but Rose is just a 30% shooter from deep during his career. When next to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the team needs someone who can receive a kick out and knock down the shot. Rose does have scoring ability but the majority of his points come off him having the ball in his hand which in turn keeps it out of both George and Leonard’s hands.
Rose also has never been a great defender, posting a negative defensive box plus/minus over almost every season in his career. The Clippers benefitted from having Beverley and his ability to take on opposing guards. With him gone, George or Leonard may have to switch onto smaller guards, leaving Rose against bigger wings. Then, there’s also the Doc Rivers factor.
If the team does re-sign Montrezl Harrell and keeps Lou Williams, I can only assume we would see the trio of Rose, Williams, and Harrell on the court. The thought of that defense makes me shudder.
The Clippers absolutely need to make some additions this offseason as they look to upgrade and win a championship in 2021. While there aren’t a ton of options available at the point guard spot on the free agent market, I still don’t believe Rose is the right fit, especially at the starting position.