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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Memphis Grizzlies are a team to look out for in the upcoming season. A few stars have departed and a few have arrived, but their franchise player remains; despite being suspended for the nearly a third of the regular season. Last year was not great for the 24-year-old superstar and the Grizzlies. Suspensions, early playoff exit, locker room controversies, and the like muddled an otherwise strong regular season. Though Ja Morant’s set to miss 25 games this season, it looks like he has got a new leader on the team to steady the ship.

It was not long ago when Morant was compared to the 2011 MVP. Now, the very same veteran has joined the Grizzlies and one of his roles is to “push” Morant. Well, this not only put a smile on the fans’ faces but also on a Boston Celtics legend.?

Boston Celtics legend reshares the words of Ja Morant’s mentor

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Morant has a unique playstyle. Shifty handles, quick change of momentum and his unbelievable vertical can be unstoppable during the clutch moments. Thus, his 25-game suspension could be very costly for the Grizzlies. However, they have now bagged an alternate for the time being and it is the youngest NBA MVP ever, Derrick Rose.

As per the words of Clippers star Paul George,?“He[Ja Morant]?s just explosive, electrifying. I?d compare him to like D-Rose.”

USA Today via Reuters

Notably, the league suspended Ja Morant for promoting firearms online. He missed 8 games for his first offense. But the second time around, the league suspended him for 25 games. The pay-less suspension is set to lose Morant over $7.5 million this upcoming season. But the losses could be worse for his team.

Read more: ?There?s No Victim Here but Him?: As Ja Morant Set To Lose $7,000,000, Former All-Star Could Not Fathom $30 Billion Brand?s Actions Against the Grizzlies Star

Not only is Memphis missing their franchise point guard for 25 games, they also lost their backup, Tyus Jones. No wonder the Grizzlies went for Rose. However, many believed Rose to be a babysitter for Morant and a replacement for the time being. Well, let’s see how Rose shut down the criticism.?

Derrick Rose shared in an interview, “I’m not here to babysit…micromanage or anything. I’m not here to be a plant in the locker room or any of that, I’m here to help guys win…I’m here to push you.”

Fans loved this reply from the veteran. So did 2008 NBA champion Kevin Garnett, who shared on his Instagram story. He captioned it “Love this for Ja.. frfr”.

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Derrick Rose uses the role of a mentor for the rescue?

When the Grizzlies acquired Rose in free agency, fans believed that the 35-year-old was just there to fill in Morant’s absence. Well now, it is clear that he wants to be a mentor and not just a role player.?

Fans now believe Rose is there to pass the torch to Morant in this upcoming season. Considering the similar gameplay between the two, it looks like the Grizzlies fans are in for a treat.?

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Do you think Rose can help Morant to become a better player? Share your take in the comments below.

Watch this story: “After lauding $4 billion team’s Damian Lillard trade, heartfelt Milwaukee scene wins NBA veteran’s heart”