Derrick Rose’s long journey back from yet another injury appears to be at an end. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard said Wednesday that he’s “feeling good” and is likely to play Thursday when the Cavs host the Orlando Magic.
Rose left Cleveland around Thanksgiving to evaluate his future after yet another injury to his ankle. He hasn’t played through the holiday season, and it was an uncertain period where the team simply hadn’t talked to him at all. But after some “positive” contact and indications that he would indeed come back to play, the waiting game took on a new form.
Finally, it seems Rose is healthy enough to play as he spoke to the media on Wednesday and said he’s good to go, both physically and mentally.
https://twitter.com/cavs/status/953700646322167808
“I’m feeling good,” Rose said. “Tomorrow looks like it’s a go but I’ll see how I’m feeling tonight and tomorrow morning, make sure my body’s alright. Got to make sure I hydrate, stretch, do all the little things so that tomorrow I give myself a chance to actually play in a game.”
Rose returns to a different Cavaliers team than the one he left in November, especially now that point guard Isaiah Thomas is back in action. But the veteran didn’t seem too worried about where he will play.
"I just wanna hoop."
Derrick Rose couldn't care less what his role is with #Cavs. He believes he can help this team in a number of ways. Also gives a funny reaction when he was asked about Iman Shumpert's status. pic.twitter.com/Z69JgceUbX
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) January 17, 2018
That he seems eager to return in the first place is a good sign given where he was a few months ago, but whether he can help Cleveland turn it around is definitely the question once he gets back on the floor.
