Chapter 372: Unstoppable Simplicity.
The next day, Derrick Rose returned to the Cavaliers. With the help of the medical staff, he began rehabilitation therapy.
It was clear—he had abandoned the idea of retirement.
Coach Malone gave Han Sen a thumbs-up, marveling, "There doesn't seem to be anything you can't handle."
With Rose back on track, Malone focused on implementing the new strategy. He wasn't planning to unveil it immediately; these things required a process.
Time flew, and by early December, the first month of the new season had wrapped up.
The Cavaliers played 15 games in November, finishing with a 10-5 record. Including the season opener, they now sat at 11-5, ranked third in the Eastern Conference behind the Celtics and the Bucks.
The Bucks had made a notable trade in early November, sending Greg Monroe, a future protected first-round pick, and a second-round pick to the Suns in exchange for Eric Bledsoe.
After acquiring Brook Lopez during the offseason, the Bucks had been missing only a capable point guard, and now they had one. Bledsoe had averaged over 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game with the Suns over the past two seasons. Though only 6'1" (1.85m), his explosive athleticism, scoring, and defensive abilities made him a complete player.
These moves had vaulted the Bucks into the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams.
Trailing just behind the Cavaliers were the surging 76ers.
The addition of Jimmy Butler had transformed the Sixers into a more clutch team, filling the leadership void for their younger stars. Joel Embiid, in particular, seemed to thrive under Butler's presence.