[Saba Sports News] Derrick Rose had a long association with Tom Thibodeau, but it appears the point guard is content no longer playing for his former coach.
In June, the New York Knicks declined Rose’s contract option, making him a free agent. He promptly signed a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Grizzlies, Rose will be under the coaching of Taylor Jenkins, marking a departure from his last two and a half seasons under Thibodeau with the Knicks. Rose also played under Thibodeau during his stints with the Bulls and Timberwolves.
When asked about the differences between practices with the Knicks and the Grizzlies during a Grizzlies training camp session, Rose diplomatically noted that they are run differently, hinting at his satisfaction with his new team.
Comparing his recent experiences, Rose said, “These last two years, I had Thibs. So this one compared to Thibs is, don’t get me wrong, we worked. But Thibs is more, how can I say it? It’s run differently. I’m just going to say that. It’s run differently. Here, it’s smoother and more fluid, and guys are really putting in the work. And that’s not to say the guys in New York didn’t put in their work.”
Rose also highlighted his appreciation for Memphis’ style of play, emphasizing the pace, communication, ball movement, and the freedom given to point guards to run the offense.
Considering Rose’s limited role in the Knicks’ rotation last season, his positive outlook on his new team, the Grizzlies, is understandable.