A trip down memory lane for a long time Derek rose Fans continued in style on Monday after new news emerged grizzly The guard’s plan is to honor his return to Memphis with a new jersey number.
Rose’s decision to join the Grizzlies in free agency sparked a sense of nostalgia in fans with the return of the 2011 NBA MVP in town where he once shone as a star and did in Memphis Tiger. As Rose prepares for his 17th NBA season, the 34-year-old will do so with his school in mind after he decided to switch to his old collegiate number: No. 23.
Rose’s wife, Alaina, shared photos of his welcome to the Grizzlies on Monday along with shots of the three-time All-Star in his new strands. In addition to being a nostalgic nod to old college ballparks, Rose’s jersey number 23 will be the first time he’s worn the number since 2008, the year he became the top pick after leading Memphis to the national championship.
D-Rose will wear No. 23 in Memphis again
(via alainataughtyou/IG) pic.twitter.com/EFvSW2NM0n
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2023
While many NBA fans still bemoan the injuries that derailed his career, the sight of Rose’s return at #23 should feel gratifying to those still supportive of the former NBA star. Not to mention, those same fans are also hoping the change will help Rose, who has played fewer than 30 games in the past two seasons, find the shades of play that turned him into one of the best in Memphis and early in his NBA career.
During his final stint in Memphis 15 years ago, Rose drew attention after averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Leading the Tigers to a 33-1 record, Memphis went on to advance to the national title game against Kansas. Rose scored 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting in a thrilling 75-68 overtime loss.