Derrick Rose, the former University of Memphis standout, has made a surprising return to Memphis, this time donning the jersey of the Memphis Grizzlies. Rose joined the Grizzlies in July as a free agent, marking his homecoming to the city where he played college basketball.

One of the primary aims of his return is to assist the young and talented Ja Morant, who is currently serving a 25-game suspension. During the team’s media day, Rose revealed that he had reached out to former Grizzlies guard Tony Allen to establish contact with Morant and his family.

“It started with me reaching out to Tony Allen to get Ja’s number or to get Ja’s dad’s number, and me chopping it up and having a casual conversation with them,” Rose explained. “I haven’t given it any attention since I left. However, it made perfect sense this summer.”

Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP and the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, is clear about his goals. He’s here to make an impact, not just in the locker room but also on the basketball court.

“I’m not here to babysit, I’m not here to follow you around, I’m not here to cheerlead,” Rose emphasized. “I want to push you. There aren’t many opportunities in the league for players to play alongside teammates who play similarly to them. I’m really fortunate to be in a position where a lot of people watch his game and sort of draw comparisons between our games. But he’s really different.”

Rose is determined to contribute on the court, showcasing his adaptability. He acknowledged that injuries and changing roles have forced him to adjust his approach over the past few years.

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t able to adapt or adapt on time,” he said. “If I had recovered from my wounds sooner, I wouldn’t be here. If I didn’t know what I was capable of and could handle, I wouldn’t be here. It truly is a blessing.”

Rose’s connection with Memphis has had its ups and downs, from his college year when he helped the Tigers win the NCAA national title in 2008 to the NCAA’s retrospective decision to deem him ineligible. He also addressed past controversies, such as a 2009 photograph where he flashed a gang sign while playing for the Chicago Bulls.

Now, Rose returns to Memphis with a different perspective and hopes to make a positive impact, both on and off the court. His journey has taken him through various stages, and he is committed to continuing his growth and passion for the game.

As Derrick Rose embarks on this new chapter in Memphis, it remains to be seen how his experience and wisdom will influence the future of the Grizzlies, especially their young star, Ja Morant.