After spending a month as a free agent, Derrick Rose has found a new home. On March 8, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Rose for the remainder of the season. Rose will be reunited with his old head coach, Tom Thibodeau, and his old teammates, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson. Rose will aim to be an important piece in the Timberwolves’ playoff push. How will this all play out for both Rose and the Timberwolves? Was this the right move? Let’s analyze this signing.
Analyzing the Derrick Rose Signing
Why the Timberwolves?
As mentioned above, Rose is reunited with his old head coach and former teammates from the Chicago Bulls. The familiarity and comfort were reason enough for Rose to sign with the Timberwolves. Thibodeau knows Rose very well. He will make sure that Rose has a spot in the rotation. Also, the Timberwolves seem to be playoff bound. They are currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference and are just two games behind the third seed, which is occupied by the Portland Trail Blazers. Playing with a playoff team should be motivation for Rose.
The right move?
On the surface, this move is questionable. Although Rose has played for Thibodeau, there is not much room for him. More than likely, Rose will be playing behind Jeff Teague and Tyus Jones at point guard. Also, in his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rose did not play much. He has only played in 17 games this season, and did not play in a game since Feb. 7 before playing in yesterday’s game for Minnesota. However, the Timberwolves are in need of guards. After Teague, there is not much production at point guard. Also, Butler, who plays shooting guard, is still out with an injury. The Timberwolves need someone who can play right away off the bench. Although Rose has seen limited action, he is averaging 9.8 points per game, which is more than any of Minnesota’s bench players. The Timberwolves should play Rose at shooting guard, relieving some pressure and reducing the risk of injury.
Long-term plans
It’s tough to picture Rose being with this team beyond this season. Having Rose on the team could be beneficial, but he does not necessarily fit. The Timberwolves need a point guard who can spread the floor, be a facilitator, and play defense. Rose lacks in those categories. The Derrick Rose signing also puts a strain on Jones, who is still developing into a trustworthy player. Additionally, the relationship and trust between Rose and Thibodeau could compromise the team’s chemistry. Thibodeau has to be careful not to succumb to nostalgia. The Timberwolves may benefit from Rose’s services now, but when the off-season comes around, expect Rose to once again be in limbo.
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