While it may seem like every other guard position is up in the air for the Cleveland Cavaliers at this point, there is one certainty: Derrick Rose is on the team. The team might not have a final trade worked out to send Kyrie Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas, and Thomas’ injury may be severe enough that he misses a significant portion of the regular season. But Derrick Rose says he’s ready to play, and he wants to prove he still can be a significant factor in the NBA this season.
Rose said the biggest challenge in his offseason is trying to get in shape so he can stay healthy for what the Cavaliers are expecting will be a deep playoff run.
“I know that it’s gonna be hard next year, especially with the team that I choose to be on,” Rose said in an interview with the Associated Press. “But I made that decision and I just have to make sure I’m prepared for it.”
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Rose said even with the Irving trade still lingering over the team, he’s excited about the opportunity to play on the Cavaliers and spend time on the court with LeBron James.
“I’m grinding,” Rose told the AP. “I’m putting everything on myself. I’m betting on myself. And I’m on a good team with great players. A great support cast. What more can I ask for? I’m on a stage I’ve been dying to be on since I’ve been in the NBA. And I’m blessed that they even looked at me and considered bringing me on my team.”
Rose was asked if he had spoken to LeBron James about what happens after this season, but Rose deferred on that question to say that their discussion was “regular talk.” It’s clear that both players are worried about this season first and foremost, and won’t say much about what happens beyond that until we get there.
