Ja Morant’s explosive point guard play has often drawn comparisons to the Chicago Bulls version of Derrick Rose. The two are teammates in Memphis, and Rose had a specific message: “I’m not here to babysit you.”
Derrick Rose: "I'm not here to babysit, micromanage or anything. I'm not here to be a plant, a plant in the locker room, any of that. I'm here to help guys win." pic.twitter.com/RKKCUwa7ge
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) October 3, 2023
Derrick Rose on leaving NY for Memphis: "Started with me reaching out to Tony Allen to get Ja number…led to my agent talking to the Grizzlies…mentioning me coming in. Something I never thought about…It just made sense…I still feel like I could play…" pic.twitter.com/E1MZyvfCZT
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) October 2, 2023
During media day, Rose stated he delivered a specific message to Morant, who will travel and practice with the team despite being suspended for the opening 25 games.
“I’m not here to babysit you,” Rose said. “I’m not here to follow you around. I’m not here to cheerlead. … I’m here to push you.”
Rose said he would continue pushing Morant on the floor but add moments of “discipline to remind yourself or be mindful of the places you’re at, who you’re with, and your actions.”
