2006, Nov. 5: The Arizona Republic – Rose joins 6th NBA team seeking playoff return
June 24, 2008
LOS ANGELES – Earlier this year Jalen Rose was on his fifth consecutive
tour of duty on NBA playoff broadcasting when he gave his unofficial
resignation from repeating the fate during the 2007 playoffs.
Working Fox Sports’ Best Damn Sports Show Period, Rose told John
Salley, "I’m going to be busy (in 2007). You’re going to be working
next year."
"I was serious," Rose said Sunday after joining the Suns, his sixth NBA
team, at Staples Center in street clothes. He will take a physical
today and practice with Phoenix on Monday. "I called him (Salley) the
other day and said, ‘I told you I wasn’t lying.’ "
Rose is expected to mix right into the rotation, likely affecting James
Jones’ and Marcus Banks’ roles the most. Rose is a deft passer and good
shooter who can play point or either wing. Many times, the Suns need
Steve Nash or Boris Diaw on the floor for the ball-moving offense to
work, but Rose could give them more options.
"He’ll help with his ability to make plays," coach Mike D’Antoni said. "It just can’t be Steve and Boris all the time."
Last season, Tim Thomas signed in midseason and scored 20 points in 20
minutes in his debut. Rose remembered that nearly as well as how well
he handled a midseason switch in 2001. He recalled a 36-point game
against New York in his 2001 Chicago debut and had all the details
nailed.
"It’s not about personal stats," Rose said. "It’s not about how much
money I could make or people knowing my name. It’s all about being a
part of a situation like this.
"I’m at the point of my career where it’s about doing what I’m asked to do, contributing and winning."
The only drawback is giving up his usual No. 5, the one retired for
"The Original Sun" Dick Van Arsdale. Other than that, picking Phoenix
over Miami came down to an attractive system and a title opportunity
that has eluded him. Rose went to the NBA Finals with Indiana in 2000
but has not come close since then.
"I got paid by this league," Rose said. "I want to win some games and a championship."
By Paul Coro
