Derrick Rose returned to the Cavaliers on December 4th and while he has no timetable for returning from his left ankle injury, he wants his fans to know that he is “not depressed,” is improving physically and still loves basketball.
“Be patient. I’m good. I’m just taking my time,” Rose said. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not depressed. I’m good. A lot of people think I’m depressed because of what I’m going through. It’s the total opposite. I learned from my mistakes three or four years ago when I put myself into a shell.
“And now that I am in this position, it’s only right that I learn from the best. I’m staying with my team, staying with my family, communicating and just being open.”
Rose was asked if he misses the game while he's hurt.
"I’m here. That is why I am here. The game is in me. That is why I am here. It’s a part of my life. I can’t explain how much I dedicated and sacrificed in my life for this game. Nobody will be able to understand that. I put in too many hours. Nobody will ever understand it."
Rose was asked if he came close to retiring.
"No. No. That’s stupid. I don’t want to even talk about that. But I’m just happy that LeBron understood."
Rose was asked what keeps him from retiring.
"I’m in love with the game. The love of the game. I still am a winner. I still love learning the game. Where else can you learn more than from Golden State or [Cleveland]? LeBron has been to the Finals eight times and seven straight years. I played against him a lot of times. I’ve learned so much from him and the whole team. It’s just a fun experience being around this team."
