What Could've Been

When we look back and reflect on this generation of the NBA - the post-Jordan generation if you will - the most interesting "what-if" will not be "what if Kevin Durant was picked number one instead of Greg Oden?" Or "what if LeBron never went to Miami?" In my eyes, the biggest and most consequential "what-if" of this generation will be "what if Derrick Rose stayed healthy?"

Russell Westbrook is today what Derrick Rose was a half-decade ago: an explosive guard who can not be deterred when he makes up his mind that he will be attacking the rim. On a court filled with the world's best athletes, Rose was on another level. In his age 22 season, he won the league MVP. LeBron finished second. That was the last time Rose was on top of the league. Since then he has battled numerous knee injuries which have inexplicably derailed his once promising young career. I truly believe that had Derrick Rose not gotten bit by the chronic injury bug that not only would he have been a clear-cut Hall-of-Famer, but he would be in the discussion for one of the greatest point guards of all-time. Instead, he just signed a minimum contract with the Cavaliers and is trying to resuscitate his career, a career that was once as bright as any.