The Detroit Pistons should free Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose made some critical comments based off of his workload. The Detroit Pistons need him and need to bump up his minutes or move on.

Derrick Rose is ready for a greater workload and the Detroit Pistons can’t afford to hold him back any longer.

The Pistons (12-22) set a plan for Rose to play 25-to-27 minutes per game to save him for the playoffs but if the organization wants to make that push, they need Rose in a greater role.

After a 104-81 loss to the Utah Jazz, Rose was candid about his workload and how much he can handle.

“I feel good, but it’s not up to me with the minutes,” he told reporters. “It’s up to the coaching staff and (medical) staff. Of course, I want to be out there, but I guess they see something I don’t, and they’re worried about me.”

He doubled down saying he can play the minutes. For the season he’s playing 24.4 minutes per game off the bench, which is best suited for this Pistons team. But he’s closed games out and after some early struggles hit an important game-winner against the New Orleans Pelicans.

light. Related Story. Ranking Derrick Rose's 10 best game-winners

Detroit sits three games behind the Orlando Magic for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Magic are projected to win 41 games and claim the seventh seed, according to FiveThirtyEight, and the Nets are projected to win 36 games to claim the eighth seed.

Detroit is projected to finish 31-51 and has a 16% chance of making the playoffs as of Dec. 31. Tom Gores has repeatedly said he wants the Pistons to compete and as long as that’s the goal, it’s time for Rose to get a bump, especially with Blake Griffin battling injuries and Reggie Jackson continuing to be out with a back injury.

He is essentially matching his production from the 2011-12 season with the Chicago Bulls, his last All-Star season in which he played in 39 games before suffering a grueling ACL tear. Here’s a look at the per-100 possessions comparison through 28 games this season and then.

Per 100 Poss Table
Season	Age	Tm	G	GS	FGA	FG%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
2011-12	23	CHI	39	39	27.2	.435	6.8	.312	9.4	.812	5.1	12.0	1.4	1.1	4.7	2.0	33.4
2019-20	31	DET	28	1	27.8	.490	5.9	.325	5.0	.845	4.3	11.6	1.8	0.7	4.9	1.8	33.4
Career			574	490	25.2	.455	4.0	.305	6.3	.825	5.4	8.8	1.2	0.5	4.1	2.1	29.3

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/31/2019.

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The Pistons bench is third in scoring, averaging 47.1 points per game, and Rose’s production is a positive correlation for that. Not only is he scoring the ball but he has a career-best 44% assist rate.

Rose’s resurgence should be catching the eye of contending teams in need of a boost. Rose proved with the Minnesota Timberwolves he can play off the ball, shooting 37% from 3-point range primarily playing shooting guard. He’s thriving with the ball in his hands back at point guard with the Pistons.

If the Pistons won’t set him free within their contention plans, given he wants to win a championship, he should be dealt to a team that could use his abilities. Rose’s trade value is one of the highest on the team and if Detroit falls any farther, he is a prime candidate to be traded.

Next. Taking a look at Pistons players trade value. dark

Detroit needs Rose to contend for a playoff spot and he’s ready for the workload.

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