Derrick Rose says he “can still play” after frustrating season with Knicks

Derrick Rose has fallen from where he once was. The former MVP went through a series of knee injuries, four surgeries and a drop in value from max-level player to signing a minimum contract with the Cavs this summer.

In an article with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Rose talked about his desire to show people that he still has something left and why he’s glad to be on a title-contending team.

“When I get on a good team and I’m still hooping the same way, what are you going to say then?” Rose told the AP. “The only thing that you’ll can say is that I can still play.”

Rose, who also told the AP that’ll he’ll be ready to start the season despite having meniscus surgery in April, could have a chance to restart his career in Cleveland. His brother, Reggie, said that Rose is looking forward to learning from LeBron James.

“I’m not going to lie to you; the last two or three years, Derrick has been through a lot mentally,” Rose told the AP. “When you’re losing more than you’re winning, it can get difficult. So with him going to be in a winning environment again now, able to see how LeBron prepares himself, the things LeBron does with his body, Derrick can incorporate that into his own game.”

It’s hard to say exactly how Rose’s time in Cleveland will work out. For one, he is injury prone and he’s not exactly a perfect fit next to LeBron. But with the Cavs’ point guard spot currently in flux, Rose might get a chance. And, at the very least, he seems motivated to prove that he’s not done yet.