Grizzlies: Derrick Rose Delivers Strong Message to Ja Morant — 'I'm Not Here to Babysit'

Derrick Rose - Memphis Grizzlies Media Day

(Photo : Justin Ford/Getty Images) MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - Derrick Rose (#23) of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a photo during Memphis Grizzlies Media Day at FedExForum on October 02, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

New Memphis Grizzlies acquisition Derrick Rose wasted no time in defining his role for the team.

"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," the 35-year-old said, referring to the Grizzlies' young core of players featuring Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

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

Rose spoke highly of Morant's game, saying there are very few opportunities where players get a chance to play with somebody with a similar style of play. But he added that the young, dynamic guard is on a whole new level.

The 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player signed with the Grizzlies in the opening hours of free agency in July. He previously played college basketball for the University of Memphis in 2007-08 and led the Tigers to the 2008 NCAA National Championship game.

Rose will wear the number 23 jersey with the Grizzlies, the same number he used in college.

Memphis Grizzlies legend facilitated Rose's move to Memphis

Rose originally wanted to mentor Morant, and he asked former Grizzlies player Tony Allen for the player's phone number or his dad Tee to make it happen.

After several casual conversations, Rose ended up signing for the Grizzlies on a two-year contract worth $6.5 million to serve as a leader in the locker room and provide valuable minutes off the bench.