Cavs set the record straight: Rose is an 'off-the-bench point guard'

Cavs set the record straight: Rose is an ‘off-the-bench point guard’

By Madeline Kenney

Cleveland Cavaliers confirm that Derrick Rose will be an “off the bench point guard.”
| Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

New Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman set the record straight Wednesday about Derrick Rose’s role with his new team.

Rose is a “great off-the-bench point guard,” he said.

Altman also refused to get into details regarding reports that Kyrie Irving put in a request to be traded.

Rose signed a one-year contract with the Cavaliers on Tuesday at the veteran’s minimum of $2.1 million.

In 2011, at 22 years old, Rose became the youngest player in NBA history to win the MVP award. But six years, four knee surgeries and two teams later, the chance to hit the refresh button and compete for an NBA title appealed to Rose, Altman said.

“He wanted to come to a place to play with good players and be playing in meaningful games,” Altman said. “He came here for an opportunity to win.”

Rose averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists per game for the New York Knicks last season.

LeBron James welcomed Rose with open arms. He sent out a tweet Monday saying, “Let’s Rock G!” with multiple rose emojis. According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, James also invited Rose to work out with him in Las Vegas, where James has been working out and vacationing the last few days. The two former MVPs could have their first workout session together this week.

Follow me on Twitter @madkenney.