As the Chicago Bulls‘ first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Derrick Rose has taken the league by storm, becoming the youngest MVP in 2011 at the age of 22 years and six months. Now, at 35, the three-time NBA All-Star has been released by the Memphis Grizzlies just days before training camp begins and is looking for an NBA team to play for entering the 2024-25 season.
With his MVP form just being a shell of himself, Rose could still be a serviceable veteran who could help younger players in this NBA. His experience and spurts from the bench could even give title contenders that needed a push to take home the 2025 NBA championship.
5 NBA Teams that should consider Derrick Rose for a roster spot in the 2024-25 Season
1) Chicago Bulls
Starting with the immediate fan clamor, Derrick Rose’s return to the Chicago Bulls is probably the favorite choice, given his history on the team. Bulls fans know that this is going to be a rough season with a looming rebuild happening soon. Rose’s presence will definitely help sell tickets at the United Center. If this is going to be the last season or years of Rose, then it would be a fitting farewell for him.
2) Minnesota Timberwolves
Another team that Derrick Rose played for from 2918-19 was the Minnesota Timberwolves and the fanbase embraced the former league MVP. Dropping a random 50-point career-high performance on July 18, 2018, against the Utah Jaz, along with a tear-jerking post-game interview, Rose might as well return to Minnesota and help the young Anthony Edwards to seal the first NBA championship in franchise history.
3) Milwaukee Bucks
When healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, would be a title contender. However, they would need depth to last an 82-game season. Derrick Rose would be ideal in keeping the team stable coming off the bench or maybe a few starting spurts, as the Bucks need some depth from the point guard position now that Patrick Beverley is playing in Israel.
4) New York Knicks
A third reunion with the New York Knicks and Coach Tom Thibodeau should also be in the cards for Derrick Rose this upcoming 2024-25 season. This team has never been this strong since Rose’s time in the Big Apple, and his veteran leadership should provide stability to the team whenever an internal power struggle happens between their star-studded roster.
5) Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have been in the hunt for a veteran point guard during the off-season but have failed to sign Tyus Jones. This young squad’s raw talent still needs some veterans, aside from Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr., to guide them through a miserable 2023-24 season. Derrick Rose played with the Pistons from 2019 to 2021, and the local fanbase loved him there. The former Memphis Tiger should also be a good mentor to unlock Jaden Ivey’s potential.
