Derrick Rose says cashing a huge check will not be his number one goal when choosing a team next year.
It’s an inevitable conversation this time of year, with the season winding down, especially for players on a bad team. In this case, its Derrick Rose and the New York Knicks. As reported by ESPN’s Ian Begley, Derrick Rose is much more concerned about winning next season and being content with his legacy before he hangs it for good.
After this difficult season, it seems clear that Rose is probably not going to get that winning season in New York. The Knicks have too many holes to fill and Rose — with his questionable shooting and atrocious defense — isn’t the guy to help fill them. Both sides are probably better off parting ways.
That being said, it’s been fun to see Rose putting up solid numbers this season, even in losing efforts. There aren’t many players who have bounced back from the injuries he has had dealt with. By all accounts, he’s stayed healthy this season and, while a max contract seems unlikely, he shouldn’t have a hard time finding an interested team..
Even a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a strongly defined pecking order on offense and a solid veteran structure, could use Rose as a change-of-pace guard attacking and creating shots off the bench. His role would be smaller there but if Rose is serious about winning, he may need to be willing to sacrifice minutes, shots, and money.
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Wherever Rose lands next year it would be nice if he can stay healthy. I would love to see his knees hold up long enough for him to string together a few solid seasons before the early 30’s decline. If we’re really lucky, we may even see flashes of the artist formerly known as MVP.