Grizzlies Players Aren’t Surprised Derrick Rose Shined In Preseason Debut

Derrick Rose started for the Memphis Grizzlies in the team’s preseason opener versus the Indiana Pacers since Ja Morant and Marcus Smart were out and the former NBA MVP played very well. Rose finished with 13 points in 14 minutes while shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 1-of-1 from the free-throw line. After the game, Grizzlies players Ziaire Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane talked about Rose, who played his college basketball at Memphis.

“We’ve been seeing it,” Williams said, via Grizzlies reporter Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. “When I say he’s still so fast, bro, that burst is there. I’m sure it was probably faster 10 years ago, which is insane to think about. He’s a talented player and a better person.”

Rose received the loudest ovation from the Grizzlies crowd during pregame introductions. The former Chicago Bulls superstar played one season at The University of Memphis in 2008 and led the team to the championship game.

“It’s still unreal,” Rose told Bally Sports about being back in Memphis. “It still didn’t hit me yet. I’m very blessed. I’m very grateful to be here, having this opportunity. And I’m always living in gratitude, so it’s a reason why I came back.”

Morant can learn a thing or two from Rose, who was the most athletic point guard in the NBA before tearing his ACL in the 2012 playoffs. During the 2010-11 season, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history with his hometown Bulls. He averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists and led Chicago to the best record in the league.

“He’s probably going to get this everywhere,” Jackson Jr. said. “I’ve kind of heard from other players from other teams that he’s been on. He’s Derrick Rose. I’m a fan, too.”

Added Bane: “Y’all acting surprised. Last year in New York, you know how the business goes, but the year before that, he was a real good player and helped them win a lot of games. We expect him to do the same for us.”