NBA Free Agency starts in 24 hours, and the Detroit Pistons are not waiting to let their intentions be known.
According to The Athletic’s Frank Isola, the Pistons are “emerging as the favorite” to sign 2010-2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose. Rose played 51 games last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 18 points and 4.3 assists. His 48.2 shooting percent and 37 percent from beyond the arc rank among career highs for him.
Rose, who is a three-time NBA All-Star, can provide depth for the Pistons at the point guard position; something the team has struggled with for several seasons. However, there are concerns about the status of his health.
Since his 2010-2011 MVP season, Rose has not played more than 66 games and has played over 50 games only four times since then. His injuries have ranged from several ACL tears to constant knee injuries. He was sidelined in March for the rest of the season with a right elbow injury.
While Rose comes with injuries concerns, there is a hope for the Pistons faithful.
Return of A Familiar Face
Last season, long-time Pistons trainer and strength coach Arnie Kander returned to the team as part of the Piston’s efforts to overhaul their medical staff. Kander, who is also a 1987 graduate from Wayne State University, currently operates as a medical consultant to the organization.
Prior to Kander’s return, Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson missed 67 games over two seasons. Jackson played and started in all 82 games for the first time in his career last season. In the same breath, Blake Griffin missed 107 games over the four seasons (Clippers and Pistons combined) pre-Kander. Last season, Griffin played and started in 75 games. That was Griffin’s first time playing over 67 games since the 2013-2014 season.
Kander, along with medical staff additions Bernard Condevaux (Team Medical Director), and Jim Schoeller (Head Athletic Trainer) has been touted as the reason behind the Pistons’ recent change of fortune in the injury department.
With Kander carrying the reputation of keeping players in shape their time on the injured list minimal, Rose could possibly see a resurgence in his career should he sign with Detroit.
Could “D-Rose” return?
On Halloween last year, the former MVP had a vintage “D-Rose” performance. He led the Timberwolves to a victory over the Utah Jazz, scoring 50 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
There are no reports of what a potential contract would look like, but with the Pistons in the middle of rebuilding the team, signing Rose at the “right” number could be viewed as a low risk, high reward move.
NBA Free Agency officially begins Sunday at 6 PM ET.
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