Grading the Detroit Pistons 2019 offseason moves

Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Rose played with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Rose played with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 09: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the game on March 9, 2019 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 09: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the game on March 9, 2019 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Pistons sign Derrick Rose

After a resurgent season in Minnesota, Derrick Rose earned a two-year, $15 million deal that landed him in Detroit. The signing came as a surprise to some but appears to be an instant upgrade as a backup point guard.

Rose’s injury history is well-documented. The 2008 No. 1 overall pick won the NBA’s MVP award in 2011 and then tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament the following season. He hasn’t been the same since.

Pros and cons of the Pistons signing Derrick Rose. light. Related Story

But Rose showed flashes of his former self last season with the Timberwolves. He averaged 18 points, 4.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game playing 27.3 minutes per game in 51 contests. He shot 48.2 percent from the field, his best since his sophomore (2009-10) season, and a career-best 37 percent from 3-point range.

If he can replicate that in Detroit, this will be a great signing for Ed Stefanski and company.

GRADE: A-

Of course, health is going to be the biggest factor in how Rose fits. The key is to keep him healthy for a playoff push and extend into the playoffs, which would be a lot of miles on his body.

He should be an upgrade over Ish Smith, who had backup point guard duties the last three seasons in Detroit.