Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins gushes over $6.5 million offseason addition

The offseason move made by the Memphis Grizzlies that has been generating the most attention over the past few months has easily been the trade acquisition of Marcus Smart. Acquired in a three-team deal from the Boston Celtics, the veteran is viewed as both a tremendous contributor for this backcourt as well as a potentially vital mentor for this young club, particularly Ja Morant.

However, Smart isn’t the only recently attained guard receiving love for his arrival in Grind City, as head coach Taylor Jenkins was found gushing over Derrick Rose and what kind of impact he could have on the Grizzlies during an interview with NBA.com.

Taylor Jenkins praises Derrick Rose and the impact he’ll have on Grizzlies

"“Adding Derrick Rose, a guy that, I mean, just look at that resume. The impact he’s made in the game, what he’s going to do in the locker room and on the floor for us,” Jenkins said."

Though no longer the league MVP and perennial All-Star he once was, in recent years Rose has taken on the role of veteran leader and mentor and has played it to a tee. Last season, amid his surprising and, in a way, confusing removal from the Knicks’ rotation, fellow players such as Julius Randle praised how team-oriented and leadership-driven he remained despite the hardships.

However, though there are many who believe his addition to the Grizzlies is solely focused on locker room presence and the potential impact he’ll have on the likes of Morant, some such as Kelly Iko of The Athletic believe the guard could also find himself playing more minutes than expected.

"“The Grizzlies are pretty thin at point guard, and Jacob Gilyard (two-way contract) still needs some polishing. The same could be said for Josh Christopher who arrived from Houston via trade. Kennard and Bane can function as playmakers when needed, but Rose might find himself playing more than he previously anticipated,” Iko wrote."

While it may be discouraging to see he was held to just 27 games played last season, fans must note that since 2021-22, per 100 possessions, the point guard has managed to post impressive averages of 23.7 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from distance.

On top of this, just three years ago Rose finished third in the running for Sixth Man of the Year, as he dropped 14.7 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals a night on 47.0 percent shooting from the floor and 38.8 percent from deep.

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