Derrick

Rose

Rose, the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, won Rookie of the Year honors and was named the youngest MVP in league history when he won the award in 2010-11. Rose missed only three games across his first three seasons, but he tore his ACL just 39 games into the 2011-12 season and missed the entire 2012-13 campaign. Rose averaged just 44.4 games over the final 11 seasons of his career, and health concerns were the unfortunate hallmark of his NBA tenure. Rose is one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history, and he finishes his career (which includes stops in Chicago, Memphis, New York, Cleveland and Detroit) with averages of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

After one season in Memphis, the former NBA MVP is looking for a new home. Injuries limited Rose to 24 appearances last season, averaging 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 16.6 minutes. While Rose’s exit (which is Memphis letting him out of his contract) will not impact Ja Morant’s fantasy value, as he’s firmly entrenched as the starting point guard, this may free up additional opportunities for Scotty Pippen Jr. to earn rotation minutes. He played well for the Grizzlies after a rash of injuries pushed him into the rotation, and there may be some late-round value in deep leagues.

Both players have been sidelined since the beginning of March, and it will likely remain that way for the final two weeks of the season. This won’t have much of an impact on their recent rotation, though it should make guys like Scotty Pippen Jr., Jak LaRavia and Lamar Stevens more secure options for the rest of the year.

Rose suffered the injury during Memphis’ February 28 game against Minnesota and has not played since. The veteran point guard has struggled with injuries this season, so his absence did not impact fantasy basketball. Starters Luke Kennard and Vince Williams Jr. will continue to shoulder most of the workload on the perimeter moving forward.

Williams was carried off the floor Saturday, so it’s no surprise he’ll sit out Monday. JJJ and Rose missed the last two for Memphis, and either Trey Jemison or Lamar Stevens will start in the frontcourt. John Konchar could fill in for Williams as the Grizzlies deal with yet another injury.

Both players will remain sidelined on Saturday after missing Friday’s matchup with Portland. While Rose’s absence won’t have much of a fantasy impact, Trey Jemison got the start at center with JJJ sidelined. He logged 30 minutes and should see a large role again in this game, though he wasn’t productive enough to be worthy of a stream.

Jackson’s absence will be more impactful in fantasy basketball, as he has been Memphis’ top option by a considerable margin. Trey Jemison, who has been inactive with JJJ in the lineup, could start on Friday, but he would not be worth streaming in fantasy. As for Rose, his absence means more playing time for Jordan Goodwin, who should make another start due to Luke Kennard being doubtful.

Starting for the injured Luke Kennard, Goodwin had a difficult night shooting the basketball, missing all five of his 2-point attempts. However, the rebounds, assists, and steals were very good, providing the few who have him rostered with some value. Goodwin is rostered in just two percent of Yahoo leagues and could have increased value as the fantasy season’s conclusion approaches. In addition to Kennard’s absence, Derrick Rose (two points and one assist in six minutes) did not return after halftime due to back spasms.

Rose had been dealing with an ankle injury, but he injured his back during Wednesday’s game. Jordan Goodwin should play most of the point guard minutes for the rest of the game, though they may also turn to Vince Williams Jr. for some playmaking.

Rose is available after being among the many Grizzlies sidelined for their February 15 win over Milwaukee. His return likely means fewer minutes for Jordan Goodwin, limiting the guard’s fantasy potential. Due to multiple injuries, Rose hasn’t been able to play enough to merit being rostered in most leagues.