Timberwolves sign Derrick Rose for rest of season

The Wolves signed Derrick Rose for the rest of the season on Thursday, but where does he fit on this roster?

The Minnesota Timberwolves signed former Chicago Bull Derrick Rose on Thursday, after he began the season with the now reshuffled Cleveland Cavaliers.

A career 29% three-point shooter, Rose shot a paltry 21% from long distance last year and has converted just 25% of his three-point attempts in his 16 appearances so far this season. For a little context, Ricky Rubio is a career 31% three-point shooter. The Wolves could use some long distance shooting, but Rose will not be providing it.

The former MVP averages less than one steal per game in his career (.8), so it is safe to assume he was not brought here to be the leader on defense while Jimmy Butler is hurt. Derrick Rose was brought here to create his own shot, get to the free throw line and knock down mid-range jumpers.

How much he scores will depend on how much playing time he is given. The Wolves needed another body, having three roster spots open with Jimmy Butler out, but the notoriously short bench that Thibodeau employs leaves a lot of questions regarding the rotation now that Rose is involved.
Namanja Bjelica’s minutes basically doubled when Butler went down and then he dropped 30 points in the loss to Boston on Thursday. It seems highly unlikely that Thibs will decrease his minutes after a performance like that. Tyus Jones has played well all season and should not have to lose any of his minutes to Rose, although he seems to be the most likely to see his playing time drop.

Thibodeau seems determined to get the old band back together but like many band reunions, the band is a lot older now, doesn’t have its lead singer and leaves a lot to be desired.