The Detroit Pistons, one of the more disappointing teams based on their playoff appearance last season, are in the midst of strategically losing. The losing may come faster and faster without one of their best players in Derrick Rose.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that Rose will be out for “a few weeks”, with the team potentially turning the reigns over to the younger players on the roster. Rose underwent an MRI, which ultimately came back negative. The Pistons fully expect Rose to recover before the season concludes, but losing would improve their draft position.
Derrick Rose has been the lone bright spot on an otherwise underwhelming team. The 31-year-old former MVP is averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 assists on 49% shooting from the floor.
In related news, Detroit is eying the recently waived Jordan McRae according to Haynes. The Denver Nuggets acquired McRae at the trade deadline from the Washington Wizards for Shabazz Napier. McRae did not receive the playing time envisioned and has been subsequently waived. Haynes reports that the Phoenix Suns will also put in a waiver claim for McRae, though Detroit would get first dibs based on the standings.
McRae, a 2016 NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has bounced around the league for his entire career. The 28-year-old has career averages of 6.8 points and 1.4 assists per game. With the Wizards, McRae was averaging 12.8 points. 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
