It’s been a long and arduous journey for Derrick Rose ever since a rash of injuries torpedoed his once-promising career. He’s gone from MVP to free-agent afterthought after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer to play back-up point guard for a meager $2.1 million for the season.
It’s been a humbling and precipitous fall from grace, but that doesn’t mean fans from around the world don’t still love and support the one-time prodigy. During a recent promotional tour in China for Adidas, fans debuted this touching video tribute.
Rose, naturally, got a little emotional while watching the video, which featured cacophony of young fans professing their undying devotion.
Though Rose was primarily brought to the Cavs as an insurance policy amid the Kyrie Irving trade demand, it seems increasingly likely that he’ll assume a more significant role depending on the severity of Isaiah Thomas’ injured hip and the length of his recovery. At this point, he’ll probably never regain the form that made him one of the best and most explosive point guards in the NBA, but even during his troubled tenure with the Knicks, Rose proved that he can still be an effective player.
Rose averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists per game last season on 47 percent shooting from the field, and the Cavs are hoping he can bring some consistency and veteran leadership to a team that perpetually has its eyes set on the NBA Finals.
