Tyronn Lue expects Derrick Rose to rejoin Cavaliers; no time frame set

CLEVELAND– Head coach Tyronn Lue expects Derrick Rose to rejoin the Cavaliers at some point, after he is done dealing with a “personal matter.”

Earlier Friday, ESPN reported that Derrick Rose is thinking about walking away from basketball for good. He has played in just seven of Cleveland’s 18 games this season, and has struggled since spraining his ankle on Oct. 20 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lue would not get into specifics about why Rose left, simply saying that he was dealing with a “personal matter.” Lue also said that Rose’s departure was not due to a setback in his rehab, and that there is no time frame for his return.

“Don’t have a time frame,” Lue said. “Want him to take his time, like I said it’s a personal matter, and just know the team, coaches, organization, we all have his back and wish him well, and we expect to have him back.”

Lue says he expects Rose to be back with the team, but that there is no timeframe for his return. Says they “want him to take his time.” @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/fGxALUFKgH

— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) November 25, 2017

Rose is averaging 14.6 points per game in 26.9 minutes, with his best outing being a 20-point game against the Washington Wizards in the beginning of the month.

The Cavs have managed to find their way without Rose, even improving on certain offensive schemes and defensive rotations. Against the Charlotte Hornets tonight, they will look for their seventh straight win and currently hold the longest active winning streak in the NBA.

Regardless, Lue repeatedly emphasized that Rose still has a place within the organization.

“I reached out to him and texted him told him that we support him,” Lue said. “And I know that he’s going through a tough time right now, but he still is very talented which you saw in the Washington game in the early part of this year, and even last year. So, take as long as he needs to take, and we wish him well and we want him back.”

Lue says that he reached out to Rose, and texted him telling Rose “we support him.” Also emphasized that Rose is still “very talented” @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/26d6DSFgo8

— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) November 24, 2017