LeBron James is clearly happy that his friend Dwyane Wade is back on his team, but that’s not the only new guard the superstar is excited to pair up with this season.
James seems just as excited about playing with D-Rose as he is D-Wade. He spoke to reporters at Cavs media day on Tuesday and raved about the chance to play with Derrick Rose, who signed with the Cavs this summer after a disappointing season in New York with the Knicks.
Rose may have a big impact on the Cavaliers in the season’s early months, especially with Isaiah Thomas at until at least January. And for James, that’s an exciting prospect. As reported by NBA.com, James said he never expected he’d be able to play on the same team as a player like Rose.
“I’m excited more than anybody about D-Rose,” James said. “The kid has a lot to prove.”
James said he couldn’t even dream of playing with someone like Rose after their battles in the postseason between Chicago and Miami.
From competing against him for so many years, especially in Miami when he was with Chicago, knowing the competitor he’s been over the years. I’ve been a fan of him for a long time. Never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be a teammate of his.
James said he’s rooting heavily for a comeback season for Rose, not just for the benefit of the team but to show others in the league that Rose can still be a productive player despite his injury struggles.
“I thought he had a helluva season last year. And people don’t really see it because of the chaos that was going on in New York. I’m excited to have him here because I want people to know that D-Rose can still play the game at a high level.”
A healthy, productive Rose would be a huge boost for a Cavaliers team that essentially replaced its starting point guard for a rehabilitating player in Thomas that some worry will never be the same. The worry could also be held for Rose, of course. LeBron seems optimistic that Rose is back, but everyone is optimistic on the first day of the season.
Except maybe Bulls fans, that is.
