Thibodeau supports Rose, wants him to find 'peace of mind'

Tom Thibodeau just wants what's best for his former star player.

The Minnesota Timberwolves bench boss had nothing but positive things to say about Derrick Rose, who's currently away from the Cleveland Cavaliers as he mulls his NBA future.

"I just want him to have peace of mind," Thibodeau said Saturday, as quoted by Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda.

Rose had the best years of his career playing for Thibodeau on the Chicago Bulls. In their five years together, the point guard made two All-Star appearances, earned an All-NBA nod, and was named the 2011 Most Valuable Player.

A lot has changed since then, with the 29-year-old now considering retirement due to the mental toll of constantly being injured, as he nurses a left ankle sprain.

Thibodeau supports him regardless.

"I love Derrick," he said. "What he did in (Chicago). I just want him to have peace of mind. Whatever it is he decides, I know what he has gone through and it has been tough. It's a hard road. He's a great person. He's a great player. What he did in that city was amazing and special and as time goes on, people in Chicago already do love him and appreciate what he did, but I think they'll appreciate him more and more for what he did there."

Rose joined the Cavaliers this past summer on a one-year, veteran's minimum deal, and is averaging 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. If he decides to call it quits on his pro career, he could forgo upwards of $80 million in Adidas endorsement money.