8 players who could use a change of scenery
Derrick Rose – PG, Chicago Bulls
Chicago sports fans are known most of all for their reasonable reactions to things, things like their immediate forgiveness of Steve Bartman, or their defense of Jay Cutler’s play on the field.
For a Bulls fan, there are two common, even-keeled responses to the possibility of getting rid of point guard Derrick Rose:
- “Do you have eyes? Eyes that work? How dare you even suggest … if it was legal for me to do so, I would sever your knee ligaments and force you to run, jump and shoot a basketball for 35 out of 48 minutes.”
- “Good riddance. It would have been better for the Bulls to have never existed than for them to have drafted Rose.”
It has been a long five years since Derrick Rose has resembled his 2011 MVP self. Once known for his explosiveness and athleticism, Derrick Rose’s game is now synonymous with inefficiency (eff. FG% of 38.6, with 36.7% FG and 23.4% 3P) and sloppy perimeter defense. He has failed to stay diligent on switches, and struggles to stay in front of his man. Meanwhile, his range and touch have vanished, he is timid driving yet turns the ball over at a high rate and his normally solid free throw shooting (career mark of 81.2%) has sunk low (72% in 2015).
He has been finding good looks for both himself and his teammates, and has helped with maintaining the Bulls pace while they struggle to implement Fred Hoiberg’s system. As a result, Rose is perhaps the most divisive player in the NBA among his own fanbase. Complicating matters more is his recent stretch of four games where he has shot 46.5% from the field.
Rose carries too much baggage to remain a Bull, but he very easily could be an asset for another team.
Derrick Rose’s new home: Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are a team heavy on young talent in the frontcourt and light on a centerpiece ball handler in the backcourt. Philadelphia would provide Rose with a low-scrutiny destination where he can even out his play.