In this Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, photo, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose poses for a photo at his agent’s Wasserman Media Group offices in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared to have gotten a massive bargain after signing Derrick Rose to a one-year $2.1 million salary this off-season.
Rose, after all, holds the distinction as the league’s youngest Most Valuable Player winner, capturing the prestigious award at 22 years old in 2011.
After suffering multiple injury setbacks over the years, which have visibly sapped his prized athleticism, the now 29-year-old guard sees the massive pay cut as a chance to prove himself again.
“I get a chance to reintroduce myself back to the league. I get to bet on myself,” Rose told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “That was one of the reasons I came here: I get to bet on myself. And I’m from Chicago, I’ve got that hustling side; it’s in me, man. Next time you’ve got to pay me, you’ve got to pay me double, so it’s fine with me.”
Last year, Rose came up with his most productive season in years, averaging 19.5 points while suiting up for 64 games for the New York Knicks.
Another healthy and fruitful showing could raise his stock among NBA teams again, as he enters free agency after this season.
He’ll also receive plenty of opportunities to shine, as the Cavs’ newly obtained point guard, Isaiah Thomas, won’t be back until the All Star break. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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