Other than bringing in Jimmy Butler, nearly every move Tom Thibodeau has made in Minnesota has been criticized, none more so than the March 8 signing of Derrick Rose.

But that move has aged well.

There are those who don’t like Rose for off-the-court reasons, but just as many who simply thought the former NBA MVP was cooked, out of gas and unable to help the Timberwolves down the stretch. He wasn’t thought to be worth Minnesota’s time, even at his minimum salary price tag.

His play has suggested otherwise.

Since a rocky start that could be chalked up to rust, Rose has raised the Wolves’ level of play when he’s been on the court. He’s gotten to the rim — which was no surprise. What has raised eyebrows is his ability to defend. Rose has supplied a physicality and toughness that Minnesota desperately needed.

“He’s huge for us. But he’s one of the guys that insists on playing hard, as well,” Jimmy Butler said. “He’s always working on his game. You see what he’s done in this league, and he can still do that at any point and time. He’s just a helluva player. And the crazy thing is, he’s so unselfish. Whatever you ask him to do — guard this guy, guard that guy, get a stop, get a bucket, get somebody else a bucket — he’s capable of doing that.”

Butler said the Timberwolves were “definitely going to need” Rose down the stretch run of this season, but what about next year? Rose will be a free agent again this offseason, and the door seems to be open to a return to Minnesota.

“I would love to be back,” Rose said. “Do I want to play again next year? Yeah. I think I’m far away from being done, but it’s not up to me to take a chance on myself. I’m fully invested in myself; it’s up to the organization, the front office and the coaching staff to see that I’ve still got a lot left.”

Thibodeau seems to see it. After Minnesota’s victory over Memphis on Monday, in which Rose played 22 minutes — the most he’s played since joining the Timberwolves — Thibodeau praised Rose’s instincts and said everyone is “just seeing the tip” of what he can do in what’s been a “lost year” as Rose battled with injuries and personal issues.

“He’s super talented,” Thibodeau said. “And that’s why we picked him up. He’s played very well for us.”

“It’s crazy to hear him say that,” Rose said. “I believe in myself, I know that, because I know how much I put into everything. But to hear him say that, this is the same guy I didn’t get no compliment (from) until after I won MVP in my third year. That means a lot; it’s something I’m going to cherish.” Related Articles Timberwolves head into team bubble excited to spend time together, on and off the court

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Butler has enjoyed seeing Rose have fun again on the floor. “I’m happy to have him on my team,” the All-NBA guard said.

“More than the basketball part, it’s the people part,” Butler said. “He’s smiling, he’s confident in his body, and that’s what we want out of him.”

The Timberwolves have provided an environment Rose is happy in. He’s comfortable playing for Thibodeau and with Butler and Taj Gibson, and said the Wolves are being “patient” with him.

“I’m in a perfect, perfect environment,” Rose said. “Normally, when I’m out there just playing, that’s when I’m good. In the past, when I’m out there thinking or I’m not playing my game, that’s when I tend to drift off. But being here, being around the guys, the attitude, the atmosphere is different, so it keeps everybody engaged.

“I’m thankful,” Rose said, “and happy to be here.”