3 positive takeaways from Grizzlies OT win over Pacers in preseason opener

3. Derrick Rose still has the ability to contribute

When Derrick Rose initially agreed to terms on his two-year deal with the Grizzlies back in July, the belief was that he would come in and be utilized primarily as an end-of-bench guy while serving as a mentor on this young roster, especially for troubled superstar Ja Morant.

However, during Media Day the veteran voiced his displeasure at the idea of being a babysitter within the locker room, as he noted he wishes to show he can still contribute as a regular commodity within the main rotation.

His debut in the white, gold, and navy threads seemed to prove that there may very well be enough gas left in his tank to back up his talk with on-court production during the upcoming season.

Logging 13 and a half minutes on the night, Rose went on to drop 13 points and 2 assists while shooting a highly efficient 75.0 percent from the field and a perfect 1-for-1 from deep.

Displaying quickness, agility, and aggressiveness during his brief yet brilliant stint on the hardwood, it seems clear that the fallen superstar is coming into his first season with the Grizzlies with a mission to prove that his removal from New York’s rotation last season was more a result of coaching decisions rather than any concerning regression in positive play.