We can say that it is a way of closing the loop for Derrick Rose. After playing in Memphis in the NCAA, he returns to Tennessee to wear the Grizzlies jersey. Like Evan Fournier, Rose remains on a season spent at the end of the bench, but in Memphis, he should have more responsibilities. Especially at the start of the season since Ja Morant is suspended for the first 25 matches.
“I first started by contacting Tony Allen to get Ja’s number or his father’s number. I have a nice, casual chat with them,” said the former MVPwhich reveals the content of their discussion. “’I’m not here to babysit, I’m not here to follow you around, I’m not here to encourage you. I’m here to push you. »
The master and the student?
What appeals to Rose is that he is going to be the mentor of a… double. “In the league, it’s rare to have the chance to play with someone who has a similar style of play. I’m lucky to be in a situation where a lot of people watch his game and compare our games. But he’s on a whole different level.”
Morant is a level above, but he has never been in the discussion to be MVP, and he has seriously damaged his image with his extra-sporting escapades. Perhaps he was missing someone like Rose to support him on a daily basis. A Rose who has learned patience over 15 years, and who is ready to adapt to his new role.
“I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been able to adapt,” he continues. “I wouldn’t be here if I had come back from my injuries too soon. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t realized what I’m capable of and what I can handle. It’s a privilege. »
Derrick Rose has also been at the heart of controversies
And Rose recalls that he also went through complicated times when he was younger, whether it was accusations of stealing from a meeting, bogus school results or controversial gestures.
“People don’t watch that anymore, and I’m trying to do the same thing here.” he concludes. “When I arrived in the NBA, right after being drafted, it was the controversy over the gang sign and right after that, it was the school tests. Now you see a different Derrick: I’m 34 years old, I have three children and I’m married. We can therefore speak of evolution. And that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to come back.”
Which goes to show that it’s also a way of closing the loop.
