Cavs’ Rose leaves to handle ‘personal matter’

CLEVELAND (AP) — Derrick Rose's injuries may have pushed him to a breaking point.

The former league MVP, who has been trying to revive his career with the Cavaliers, left the team earlier this week to handle a personal matter. A team spokesman said Friday that Rose has been excused since Wednesday and there is no timetable for his return.

The team did not offer any other details about Rose's absence.

ESPN reported that Rose is taking personal time "to evaluate his future in the NBA."

A team source told ESPN that Rose's numerous injuries are "taking a toll on him mentally."

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue expects Rose to return to the team.

"We want him to take his time — just know the team, the coaches, the organization, we all have his back and wish him well," Lue said before the Cavs, who have won six straight, hosted the Charlotte Hornets. "We expect to have him back. I reached out to him and texted him and told him that we support him. We know he's going through a tough time right now."

Rose has played in just seven of Cleveland's 18 games this season because of a left ankle injury the point guard sustained while driving to the basket on Oct. 20 in Milwaukee.

He's averaging 14.3 points per game in his first season with Cleveland.