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The wait is over and Derrick Rose, as he has decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and resume his career. While Rose is rejoining the team, that doesn’t mean that he is ready to jump back into the lineup. He still has to care for his injured ankle and get back into shape once he has recovered.
In a statement released by the Cavaliers, Rose will begin treatment at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday with the intention to re-join the team.
STATUS UPDATE: starting today, @drose will resume the treatment and rehabilitation process for his left ankle injury at Cleveland Clinic Courts as the next step in his return to the team.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 4, 2017
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Cavs general manager Koby Altman also released the following statement regarding Rose and his return:
“This has been a very challenging and difficult time for Derrick. We will continue to provide him with support and have patience as he re-joins his teammates and works his way back on to the court.”
Depending on how long it takes Rose to be physically ready to join the team, it may impact whether or not there is a role ready for him. Isaiah Thomas is believed to be returning to the lineup midway through this month and Dwyane Wade has likely solidified himself as the team’s backup point guard.
Finding a role for Rose that isn’t too disruptive to what the team has going will be an interesting challenge for Tyronn Lue. It also will be interesting to see if Rose will adjust to having a smaller role than the one he initially signed up for, should that come to fruition.