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Derrick Rose: 5 Best-Case Scenario Comparisons

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 30, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts on the court in the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts on the court in the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derrick Rose
February 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tony Parker

Tony Parker has never suffered a career-altering injury, but stylistically, this is what Derrick Rose should be striving for when he returns. In his prime, Parker was a little speedster, but even as he continues to age he’s remained effective because he’s so crafty with the ball and because he can create for others.

Is it really so unreasonable to think Rose can model his game after “old man” Tony Parker?

Both these players are capable of getting by their defender and into the paint. Both of these players have showcased some wicked floaters to score over taller defenders. If Rose can add some craftiness and poise to his game when he gets into the lane (i.e. Parker’s spin move, as one example), it’s not outlandish to think he can remain effective when he returns.

Parker has never been a prolific three-point shooter, but he’s good at creating space and knocking down composed floaters or midrange lean-in shots to make the most of his advantage when he gets in the paint.

Molding his game to look more like Parker’s would take a lot of self-restraint on Rose’s part. He’s always been one to attack the interior defender at full speed when he breaks through the perimeter defense. But if he can learn to knock down floaters and midrange jumpers like Parker, his waning athleticism won’t be a burden and he’ll be able to decrease the risk of re-injury.

Think about it: Parker’s game is generally flat-footed, but he sets himself up for a lot of good looks by constantly moving off the ball and using that craftiness when he creates an opening. If Rose can tailor his game to rely less on isolation, he’ll be able to have a significant impact once he returns.

Out of all the players on this list, this is the ultimate best-case scenario for what Rose’s game could look like once he takes yet another crack at a comeback.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

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