The NBA Trade Deadline ends in 24 hours on February 6 at 3 p.m., but one of the biggest questions is whether or not Derrick Rose will still be in a Pistons’ uniform on Friday night. The 31-year-old has played well this season averaging 18.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting a career-high 49.8% from the field through 44 games with only ten starts after signing a two-year deal worth $15 million this past July.
Although Rose had a terrific streak of scoring at least 20 points in 14 straight games, the Pistons are having a dreadful season which makes it surprising to hear that Rose prefers to stay in Detroit. The team is 18-34 but just five games out of the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They’ve had to endure a terrible season stat-wise from Blake Griffin who has been injury riddled appearing in just 18 games while averaging a career worst in points(15.4), rebounds(4.7) and field goal percentage(35.2%). Andre Drummond has also been in trade rumors throughout the season which makes us wonder why Rose would want to stay with a franchise that is facing so much uncertainty, but the former MVP seems to be enjoying his time there.
“I love it here, it’s close to home (Chicago),” Rose said. “Of course, I wish we had more wins. I love the staff, I love the front office, I love being in Detroit. I probably need you to tell them that,” Rose told Detroit News with a smile. “Of course I want to stay here. I’ve been in this league 12 years, and it’s just all about being happy. I gave Arn my word and told him I’d hear him out, and they gave me a chance. I want to see what happens. I know I’ll get a call or a message, and they’ll tell me whatever direction they’re going.”
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Detroit fans have been chanting “MVP, MVP” at several games this season and perhaps they’re just a blue-collar city that appreciates Rose’s hard work and determination to be an impact player at this stage in his career, but there’s no question he could be a great addition to the Lakers, Clippers and other contenders that are looking to add depth before the playoffs start.
Pistons’ coach Dwane Casey mentioned the impact Rose has had on the team this year. “We’d love for him to be a Piston for a long time. He’s such a big contributor to our team, how hard we play, the style we want to play, getting to the paint. I’ve said this numerous times: He’s what our league should be about,” Casey said.
He might be past his prime but the Chicago native feels he can still contribute at a high level. “I’m older and much wiser now,” Rose said. I know how to take care of my body and I think it’s all coming full circle. I’m not playing reckless like I used to, I’m picking and choosing. When I was younger, I was on go all the time. I’m not gonna be the last Derrick Rose, so I want to be the example of a guy that went through a lot of struggles and persevered.”
