Felton: Players Dodged Injuries to Avoid Facing Prime Derrick Rose

Former NBA guard Raymond Felton revealed on Theo Pinson's "Run Your Race" podcast that players resorted to fabricating illness or injury to avoid competing against prime Derrick Rose. Rose, formerly regarded as one of the NBA's top talents, experienced a major setback when he tore his left ACL during Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by his hometown team, the Bulls, Derrick Rose quickly rose to prominence, becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history during the 2010-11 season. However, his career has been marred by persistent injuries since then. In his standout season with the Bulls, Rose averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, leading the team to 62 wins and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Miami Heat in five games.


Despite his accolades, Rose has undergone eight surgeries throughout his career, playing for various teams including the New York Knicks (twice), Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. He boasts career averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, earning three All-Star selections, one All-NBA nod, and the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year Award.

Last summer, Rose signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Grizzlies, set to earn $3.4 million next season. Limited to just 24 games this season, he's averaging 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, with solid shooting percentages. Rose contemplated retirement after the Knicks didn't re-sign him last offseason, leaving uncertainty about his future in the NBA and whether he'll return for the 2024-25 season.

According to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins indicated on Friday that Rose is expected to sit out for the rest of the 2023-24 season as he recuperates from a low back injury along with a right groin injury.

Source Rotowire : Derrick Rose
Source Hoopswire : Former NBA Guard Raymond Felton Says Players Faked Being Hurt, Sick To Avoid Playing Prime Derrick Rose