The Memphis Grizzlies have been absolutely ravaged by injuries throughout the 2023-24 season, as they've seen a significant portion of their core sidelined due to vary degrees of health related ailments.
Though there are some such as Ja Morant and Steven Adams who are slated to be out for the remainder of the season, the rest of their currently injured talents are expected to make a return to the hardwood at some point this season and, on a February 1 episode of Locked on Grizzlies, host Damichael Cole shared an update regarding the likes of veteran Derrick Rose.
Unsurprisingly, the point guard has dealt with nagging injuries for the majority of his debut season with the Grizzlies, and is currently amid a 14-game absence as a result of a nagging hamstring strain.
While Rose isn't prjected to suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the beat reporter revealed that he's on track to make his return in the near future.
Derrick Rose 'closing in' on return to Grizzlies lineup
"[I] talked to Taylor Jenkins after practice yesterday, he basically said that Derrick Rose is closing in on a potential return, somewhere, he's saying, within the next three games or so."Damichael Cole
Cole would note that Rose's next chance of making his way back to the court could come on Friday against the Golden State Warriors but, "if all else fails," Sunday against the Boston Celtics could be the day No. 23 finally becomes available.
shoutout to derrick rose 🌹 pic.twitter.com/0IdJjEwNrz
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 24, 2023
In 17 games played this season, Rose has proven to be rather effective as a second-unit point guard, posting averages of 8.4 points and 3.4 assists in 17.9 minutes per game.
Though he may not be the perennial All-Star he was during his prime, as Cole stated in the podcast, his return would provide the Grizzlies "more point guard help" as they mak their way through the second half of this year's campaign.