Can Derrick Rose become starter for Minnesota?

Derrick Rose has always been one of those “what-if” players. Injuries to both legs have almost ruined his prime, as he went from being the best player in the league in 2011, to a bench player for the Minnesota Timberwolves seven years later. This season, Rose has consistently been on an incline. Rose had multiple solid performances coming off the bench as the sixth man for Tom Thibodeau’s Timberwolves before getting the start against the Utah Jazz.

Many were doubtful if Derrick Rose could play at a high level, and even Rose himself was doubtful of that at one point in time. In fact, he considered stepping away from basketball last season as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he inevitably didn’t, and it was the best decision he ever made. Rose ended last season as a member of the Timberwolves, and this season, he returned as one.

In the first handful of games of the season, Rose has been solid. He is currently averaging 18.8 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game, showing he can stretch the floor well as emerge as the lead playmaker on the floor when Jeff Teague isn’t. Rose is playing better than Teague in almost every aspect, aside from assists and defensive rating %.

Rose has had one of the craziest NBA careers of recent years, which includes becoming the youngest MVP, tearing his ACL and both meniscus, bouncing around the league, to having a career night on Halloween. With a performance like that, Derrick Rose can succeed in the new style of NBA where jump shots are the main focus.

Rose has proven that he can start every game on the NBA schedule, and many are saying it’s the return of the “old” Derrick Rose we all remember. In a different light, perhaps this is the debut of the “new” Derrick Rose; the one who holds a consistent jump shot and is still somewhat explosive. The entire league is behind Derrick Rose, and there’s no reason for them not to be.

Featured Image: Jim Mone/AP Photo