Derrick Rose’s return to Memphis during the 2023 offseason was seen as a fresh start for the former MVP. Rose, who signed a two-year, $6.6 million contract with the Grizzlies, aimed to bring his veteran experience to a young and rising team.
However, things didn’t go according to plan. According to ESPN, Rose requested the team to release him despite having one season remaining on his contract.
This surprising change in mind perhaps came after an underwhelming first season with the Grizzlies, which led to his limited role on the team. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Grizzlies granted his request and waived the point guard.
This decision was a surprise, especially since Rose had previously expressed his desire to return to Memphis for the 2024-25 season. Back in April, Rose confidently declared his commitment to the Grizzlies’ future.
Rose’s injury history has been a significant factor in nearly diminishing his once-dominant athleticism.
Following the news of his release, many NBA fans pointed to his persistent injury struggles as a key reason for his underwhelming performance with the Grizzlies and, ultimately, his team’s waiver.
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Derrick Rose’s NBA Career Highlights
Derrick Rose’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies may not have gone as expected, but the former MVP still showed flashes of his talent. Rose appeared in 24 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 16.6 minutes per game.
In those limited minutes, he managed to contribute 8.0 points and 3.3 assists per game. His standout performance came against the Houston Rockets, where he dropped 19 points, the most he scored in a single game for Memphis.
Rose’s career began on a high note as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. During his time with the Bulls, Rose quickly made his mark, which even garnered praise from James Johnson. After winning Rookie of the Year, Rose became the youngest player to win the NBA MVP award.
Over seven seasons with Chicago, Rose averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. After his successful run with the Bulls, Rose played for several teams, including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons.
Also Read: Ja Morant Backs Grizzlies Rookie With A Bold Prediction For 2024-25 Season.
