Derrick Rose back to 2011 form?

John Laforest
Staff Writer

Derrick Rose’s resurgence has been something of a flashback and an encouraging sign as the Wolves move past the Jimmy Butler in Minnesota.

Rose was once on top of the basketball world. Rose, who became the youngest MVP in league history at age 22 after the 2010-11 season, said that while he wasn’t sure his body would allow him to keep playing after multiple knee surgeries, there was never a point where he seriously considered retiring.

Derrick Rose has had four knee surgeries in his career with his last being as a member of the New York Knicks March 2017. He has a long history of being an injuring plagued point guard ever since his first injury in April 2012. His talent has never wavered just his ability to stay on the court, which he is trying to prove this season, he’s as healthy as he’s ever been.

When he signed on with the Minnesota Timberwolves late last season the move was seen as a shock to many, it was seen as a coach doing a favor for his former star player. There is a lot of people who believe Rose should have not been in the game in which he initially tore his ACL.

But Rose never lost faith in himself, telling Marc Spears, “Anything that comes my way, I am going to grab it.”

When Rose dropped 50 points on Halloween, he showed the basketball world just how good he could’ve been and how much he still has left in the tank.

13 games into the 2018-2019 season Rose is averaging 18.8 and 4.7 assist a game. He looks very explosive and healthy thus far into the season. It’s a good sign for the Wolves to see Rose play at a high level, especially since they just lost an all-star in Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The NBA world knew just how much pain Rose had endured not only on the court but off of it. After his performance on Halloween he received praise from many of his contemporaries and former teammates in the league. LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were among players to congratulate the former MVP.

Rose will likely assume a bigger role behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins now that Jimmy Butler is gone. He will look to be a vocal leader and strong veteran presence as the Wolves look to improve and get back to the playoffs after a slow start to the season.

Feature photo courtesy of the Associated Press.