NBA free agency: 10 destinations for Derrick Rose in 2017
By John Buhler
West. Pacific. Golden State Warriors. 5. player. 41.
There’s no way that Rose goes to the Golden State Warriors in 2017 NBA free agency, right? Well, don’t look now, but 2015-16 unanimous league MVP Stephen Curry will hit unrestricted free agency and will get paid handsomely by somebody.
Would Curry consider leaving the Bay Area in free agency next summer? Probably not, but the Charlotte native may have a calling to go play for his hometown team and ultimately cause a power shift in the NBA because of it.
Even if Curry stays in Golden State as he should next summer, the Warriors may not have backup Shaun Livingston forever. He’s hitting unrestricted free agency that summer, too.
What the Golden State point guard tandem has taught us over the last two years is that varying offensive styles can thrive playing point guard in Steve Kerr’s system. Curry is the greatest jump shooter of all-time and is changing the game from beyond the arc. Conversely, Livingston can’t hit a three to save his life, but is incredibly efficient in the mid-range game.
Like Livingston, Rose’s offensive game is very much focused on driving to the basket and making plays in the mid-range. Though Golden State would have to rework its offense should Rose be a potential Curry replacement, Rose easily fills the role of Livingston coming off the bench for another championship caliber team in Golden State in 2017-18.
Next: 4. Dallas Mavericks.