If you’re not excited to watch Derrick Rose this upcoming season, you should be. There’s no doubt Derrick Rose will take another giant step closer to his old MVP days. This is the first season Rose isn’t rehabbing his knee, instead he’s working on his craft with his trainer and Russell Westbrook. Both had great things to say about Rose including that he’s playing like his old-self, and the trainer added he’s “neck and neck again” with Westbrook.
Great work with DRose and Russ today. The energy is insane when they work out together. Consistency with their work ethic is incredible.
— Rob McClanaghan (@RobMacNBA) August 3, 2015
Russell Westbrook said Derrick Rose looks like "the old Derrick Rose". Trainer Rob McClanaghan said Rose and RW are "neck and neck again"
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) August 11, 2015
With all of that said, what will Rose look like next season in a new system? Generally, Hoiberg’s guards take the best out of the system without a doubt. Being a point guard in his system is an advantage, but being Derrick Rose is even a bigger bonus. With Rose’s high speed with the uptempo offense, he’ll have a lot of chances to either score the high percentage shot or find the open player on the break.
Derrick Rose finished the season last year for the first time in three years. Considering he got through the season, it was considered a successful year. However, Rose scoring 17.7 points per game with 4.9 assists per game was considered to be a down year from a statistical standpoint. This season, with the high powered offense and the offensive talent Rose is surrounded with, his statistics should shoot right up.
Derrick Rose’s scoring won’t skyrocket back up to 25 points per game like his MVP season. His style will change completely, he won’t be look to score most of the time. Given his highly talented scoring ability, you can still count him to at least bring 18 points per game to the table. With the uptempo style, the Bulls will be taking at least twice as many shots as they did last season. Rose won’t be taking those shots, instead he’ll be distributing to the shooters. Rose’s scoring might not go up but his assist numbers will. Given the open room to operate, his field goal percentage should improve dramatically.
Regular season stats: 18.5 PPG, 8.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 43% FG, 34% 3pt FG.
Allstar appearance: Yes
