Derrick Rose's Cavaliers T-Shirt: When And Where To Get It

Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls point guard, wore a black t-shirt with the words I Can't Breathe during pre-game warm-ups in December 2014. The shirt was a reference to the last words of Eric Garner, a black man who died after being put in a chokehold by a white police officer. Rose explained that his inspiration for wearing the shirt was his son and other children across the nation, and he wanted to show his support for those protesting police brutality. In November 2015, Rose also wore a shirt with his son P.J.'s meme face on it during a post-game interview session.

Derrick Rose's return to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose has had a challenging few years, stepping away from the team multiple times since 2017 to evaluate his future in the NBA. Rose has been plagued by injuries, playing just 237 out of 412 regular-season games since suffering a torn left ACL in 2012. This has caused him increasing frustration, leading him to question his desire to continue playing.

Rose's absence from the team in 2017 was due to a sprained left ankle, which caused him to miss 11 of the Cavaliers' 18 games that season, including the previous seven. At the time, there was uncertainty about whether he would return to the team, with Rose becoming non-communicative to those close to him within and outside the Cavaliers organisation.

However, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue remained supportive, giving Rose all the time he needed and expecting him back on the team. Lue acknowledged that Rose was dealing with a personal matter and emphasised that the team, coaches, and organisation were behind him. Lue also highlighted Rose's talent and his belief that he still had a role on the team.

In 2024, Rose once again stepped away from the Cavaliers to contemplate his future in the NBA. This absence was also due to a sprained ankle, which had caused him to miss 16 of the Cavaliers' 23 games that season, including the previous 12. Rose's return to the team was uncertain, with sources stating that he was "tired of being hurt" and that it was taking a toll on his mental health.

Despite the uncertainty, Rose did eventually return to the Cavaliers in January 2025, flying to Cleveland to resume rehabilitation on his ankle. Coach Tyronn Lue and Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman expressed their support for Rose, acknowledging the challenging time he had been through and their desire to have him back on the team.

Rose's return to the Cavaliers in 2025 was a positive step, and his talent and experience were sure to be valuable assets to the team.

Rose's absence from the team

Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose has taken a leave of absence from the team to re-evaluate his NBA future. Rose has been frustrated with recurring injuries, playing in just 237 out of 412 regular-season games since suffering a torn ACL in 2012. This has taken a toll on his mental health, causing him to question his desire to continue playing.

Rose has missed many games for the Cavaliers due to a sprained ankle, and his return date is uncertain. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue has expressed support for Rose, stating that he expects him back at some point and that he still has a role on the team. Rose's teammates, including LeBron James, have also welcomed him back and do not expect an apology for his absence.

Rose's current absence is excused and was communicated to the Cavaliers, unlike his previous disappearance from the New York Knicks during a game day without permission. The Cavs are providing Rose with the time and space he needs to deal with his personal issues. However, there is growing uncertainty about whether he will return to the team.

Rose's future with the Cavaliers remains unclear, and his return to the court is dependent on his recovery from his ankle injury.

Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue's support for Rose

Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue has shown support for Derrick Rose in the past, even when Rose was facing challenges and uncertainty about his future in the NBA. In 2018, Lue recruited Rose to join the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating his belief in Rose's abilities and potential contribution to the team.

Lue continued to express his support for Rose when the latter took a leave of absence from the team in 2017 to deal with a personal matter. Speaking to the media, Lue emphasised that Rose had the team's backing and that they expected to have him back. He said, “I want him to take his time. [...] It's a personal matter. Just know the team, the coaches, the organisation, we all have his back. I wish him well, and we expect to have him back." Lue also highlighted Rose's talent and the role he still had on the team, stating, "He still is very talented, [...] So, take as long as he needs to take, and we wish him well, and we want him back."

Lue's support for Rose extended beyond words, as he seemed inclined to play Rose despite criticism and questions about his fit on the team. This loyalty could be partly explained by the fact that Lue had recruited Rose to the Cavaliers himself. Lue's belief in Rose's abilities and his commitment to supporting him through difficult times reflect a strong level of support from the head coach.

However, Lue's time with the Cavaliers ended in October 2018, when he was fired after a challenging start to the regular season. Despite this, the impact of his support for Rose during his tenure as head coach is notable. Lue's willingness to stand by Rose and his recruitment of the player to the Cavaliers demonstrate a significant level of backing for the point guard.

Rose's ankle injury

Derrick Rose has had a long history of injuries that have plagued his career. In 2012, he suffered a torn left ACL during the Chicago Bulls' opening game of the playoffs and has had multiple injuries since.

In December 2021, Rose suffered another setback, this time injuring his right ankle in a game against the Houston Rockets. He underwent surgery and was expected to be out for at least eight weeks, with the potential for his return in six weeks. This injury caused him to miss multiple games for the New York Knicks, where he was a key contributor, averaging 12 points, four assists, and 24.5 minutes per game.

Rose's ankle injuries continued into the following season, as he missed 11 out of the first 18 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025 due to a sprained left ankle. This injury caused him to re-evaluate his future in the NBA as he was "tired of being hurt," and it was taking a toll on him mentally. Rose's absence was excused by the Cavaliers, and head coach Tyronn Lue expressed his support for Rose, stating that he wanted him to take his time and that the team expected to have him back.

Rose's ankle injuries have had a significant impact on his career, causing him to miss many games and deal with mental fatigue. However, he has received support from coaches and teammates, who recognise his talent and importance to their teams.

Rose's contract with the Cavaliers

Derrick Rose signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in July 2017, joining forces with LeBron James. The deal was for one year and a veteran's minimum salary of $2.1 million.

Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, said that Rose's "single focus and purpose [was] wanting to play to win." The Cavaliers' GM, Koby Altman, said that the team was "very excited to be able to add a player of Derrick's caliber and experience."

Rose himself spoke about his decision to join the Cavaliers, saying:

> "I have a single focus and purpose of wanting to play to win. Being part of a roster and organization that shares that type of commitment and being able to play with the Cavaliers and compete for a championship is the only thing that matters for me. I am very happy to be in Cleveland and look forward to getting to work."

Rose made his debut for the Cavaliers in their season opener against the Boston Celtics on October 17, 2017, scoring 14 points in a 102-99 win. In his highest-scoring game for the Cavaliers, Rose recorded 20 points in a 130-122 win over the Washington Wizards on November 4, 2017.

However, Rose's time with the Cavaliers was marred by injuries. He suffered an ankle injury on November 8, 2017, and left the team later that month to re-evaluate his future in the NBA. He eventually returned to the Cavaliers in January 2018 but was traded to the Utah Jazz in February 2018 and subsequently waived.

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