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Is this the best version of Derrick Rose yet?

By Adam Tayabali

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 24, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 24, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Derrick Rose is one of the feel-good stories of the 2018-19 NBA season. Here’s a look at what could be the former MVP’s best season yet.

After being traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers at the 2018 NBA trade deadline and waived by the Utah Jazz, it seemed like Derrick Rose’s latest comeback attempt was over and his career was as well.

Instead, his former coach Tom Thibodeau, the current head coach and president of basketball operations of the Minnesota Timberwolves, took a flier on the former Most Valuable Player.

During the Timberwolves’ first round playoff exit to the Houston Rockets, Rose averaged 14.2 points and 2.6 assists in five games. His play has carried over into the 2018-19 NBA season, and he’s currently a frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Rose has averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds on .491/.464/.855 shooting splits.

His best performance (so far) came against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 31, where he scored a career-high 50 points along with six assists on 19-of-31 shooting, and delivered the game-sealing block.

A more in-depth comparison of his MVP season is to check out his per 36 minutes stats. In 2010-11, Rose put up 24.1 points, 7.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds. In 2018-19, his per 36 minutes output is at 22.8 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds.

Although these numbers are slightly lower, it’s worth pointing out that Rose is no longer the focal point of an NBA offense like he once was with the Chicago Bulls. Jimmy Butler, before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Karl-Anthony Towns were the No. 1 options on offense. Minnesota is also 15th in the league in pace, meaning Rose is not forced to run and can play a more balanced game.

It’s also worth pointing out that almost all his shooting percentages, including effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage, are greater than those of his MVP campaign and are also career-highs.

His improved shooting might actually be due to his many knee injuries. Russell Westbrook, another MVP and athletic freak of nature, and Rose are both guilty of jumping higher than necessary when shooting jump shots. Rose no longer “over jumps,” however, and it has shown with improvements in both his mid-range and 3-point game.

Although the athleticism he was once known for is long gone, his quickness and ability to maneuver around the paint has been seemingly rediscovered. The humiliating dunks will surely be missed, but Rose’s efficiency trumps all.

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Derrick Rose has been one of the feel good stories of the 2018-19 NBA season. He isn’t content living in the past and is continuing to redefine his game and himself. His play will never be as explosive as it once was, but this version of Derrick Rose might be the best one yet.

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