Derrick Rose has returned to the city of Tennessee where it all started for him. He made a name for himself during his short stay with the Memphis Tigers and to return back to the city to play for the Memphis Grizzlies is surreal to him. Rose is still in awe that he has returned to the place where it all began for him.
He played one year for the Memphis Tigers and in 40 games he averaged 14.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. His team made it all the way to the NCAA finals where they fell short to the Kansas Jayhawks.
In a single year with the Memphis Tigers, it was enough for Rose to prove his credentials and NBA came calling soon after as he became the first overall pick at the 2008 NBA draft.
While it is still pre-season for the NBA clubs, Rose felt nostalgic playing in front of the Memphis crowd in the city. “It’s still unreal. Like it still didn’t hit me yet like I’m very blessed, I’m very grateful to be here. Having this opportunity and I’m always living that gratitude so its a reason why I came back,” said Rose during the post-game interview.
The former NBA MVP started the game against the Indiana Pacers and featured in 13 minutes. He recorded 13 points and added two assists to his kitty. Memphis Grizzlies won the match 127-122 with Jarren Jackson Jr. scoring 18 points, five rebounds and five blocks.
Ja Morant is suspended for 25 games this season but the Grizzlies are stacked in the point guard position as they have Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose to provide different types of options. While Rose is enjoying his return to Memphis, he has cleared the air that he is not here to babysit Morant. He is totally in Memphis to win trophies, steal minutes and prove to the world that he still has a lot left in him.
“Look, I’m not here to babysit. I’m not here to babysit, micromanage, or anything. I’m not here to be a plant, a plant in the locker room, or any of that. I’m here to help guys win. I’m not here to steal minutes. I’m not here to steal anybody’s job. I’m here to win. Once again. I’m here to show that I still have a lot left in the tank,” said Rose on the Grizzlies Media Day.
Rose has played for the New York Knicks and was a decent addition to their bench strength. He averaged 5.6 points, 1.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 27 games. Other than his stats, he will also add great experience in the locker room. He can also help young players with certain aspects of the game. Overall, he promises to be a great addition to the team.
