Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 reasons why Derrick Rose will win Most Improved Player of the Year
By Trey Flynn
Many people know that Rose is in Minnesota because of his Chicago family being there. Whether it’s Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, Jimmy Butler, or even Taj Gibson, Rose has a lot of familiarity around him at all times.
Even though the Timberwolves have had a ‘scandalous’ summer of rumors pointing at stars being unhappy, Derrick Rose isn’t involved in any of the rumored drama. In fact, the players seem to look up to him as a hero-like veteran, while Rose often turns the attention to his teammates and their success.
Even with the “drama” surrounding Rose and his relationship with Jimmy Butler in Chicago, Rose seems to cherish Butler and having him as a teammate once again:
"Via, ESPN “We’re in two different stages of our career. He’s a superstar right now and I’m a guy that’s trying to find my way back into the league. Right now, that’s where it’s at, and we all know what it is. Jimmy’s a hell of a player, so whenever I’m on the floor with him, I’m of course trying to impress him, letting him know that I still have it.”"
There are certain qualities that are obvious when thinking of a leader in sports. Although, people often forget the humility and humbleness you need to have, Rose illustrates that even with a bench role for Minnesota.
Jimmy had this to say in response to Rose:
"“He don’t got to prove anything to anybody. As he said earlier in the year, he knows what he’s capable of. I know what he’s capable of. He wants to win. I love having him on my team. He plays basketball the right way. He’s smiling."
What else would you want out of a teammate? Derrick Rose now lives to prove others wrong, while in the beginning of his career he was just trying to prove to himself he was right. It’s a different path that Rose has in front of him, but having teammates like All-Star Jimmy Butler to always push you, makes it that much easier for Rose to succeed in the near future.
With our first reason for Rose winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award soley going to his great teammates, this next reason will rely on Tom Thibodeau.