Minnesota Timberwolves: Buy or sell with 2019 free agents
By Ethan Becker
Derrick Rose
Probably the most controversial pick on the list, Derrick Rose has a list of good and bad so long that it would make Santa blush. One the one hand, Rose had a bit of a career resurgence last season, at times even mirroring his 2010-11 MVP season.
He’s also proven himself to be a great leader for this team, and he knows what responsibilities that role brings. Rose is also a great veteran mentor for guys like Tyus Jones and Jarrett Culver to learn from.
On the other hand, Rose is injury prone, and at 30 years old, it’s unlikely he’ll ever return to his former MVP self again. Not only that, but there are also a number of great guards on the free agent market, both young players and veterans, that could replace Rose.
Still, if nothing else, his production over his 51 games last year should be enough to convince the Wolves to give him another contract.
Rose averaged 18 points per game on 48.2 percent shooting, both of which are highs since his 2010-11 season and he’s also brought his 3-point percentage up to a career high 37 percent.
Rose also bagged 4.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game, and finally became someone who could draw the defensive out when needed.
Rose also seems to have kept at least a small part of his former drive heavy style of play, and could be really good in pick-and-roll situations with Towns, Gibson or Dieng.
Rose has been looking for a home since his Chicago departure in 2016, over those four years he’s had three teams, and if he wants to stay in Minnesota, the Timberwolves should give him another contract.
Verdict: Buy