In a perfect world, we’ve seen athletes burst onto the scene and
captivate our attention. For Derrick Rose, that was dream come true
which he arrived in his rookie year. As he announced his retirement
from the NBA, his career seen many highs and lows in sixteen seasons. As a basketball fan, athletes must come to conclusion with reality and do what’s best for them.
Derrick Rose became must see television during the late 2000s, which
he led Memphis to the National Championship title game against
eventual champion Kansas. From there, it was clear Rose could be the
number one pick in 2008. Growing up in Chicago, Illinois; a city known
for its basketball prodigies and Hall of Fame careers in Walter Payton,
Michael Jordan, Rose was the next big name to be integrated with
Chicago sports. His rookie year was one to remember as he led the Bulls to postseason
play and scored thirty-nine points in his debut. That moment, NBA fans
were saying: “D-Rose got next and he’s letting it be known as a
nineteen year old. Speed, athletic and can jump out of a stadium; the
last point guard of his era who could beat you with those attributes. It
was 2011 when Rose accomplished something which hadn’t been done: win NBA MVP at age twenty-one, the youngest player in receiving this honor.
Rose led the Bulls to having the best record, number one seed before
losing to the LeBron James led Miami Heat in five games: during the
Eastern Conference Finals. It looked like Rose would excel and take his
game to new heights. During the 2012 NBA Playoffs against
Philadelphia, the unthinkable occurred: a torn ACL and many Bulls fans
felt jilted and screamed foul on then head coach Tom Thibodeau for
having his star player on the court during a blowout win. From there,
injuries followed, and it took three seasons for Rose to regain what he
possessed.
His eight year run in Chicago ended in 2017 as things went sour and
trades occurred. Stops in New York (twice), Cleveland Detroit,
Minnesota and Memphis would be his final swan song. In the twilight
phases, he didn’t waver. As his off the court issue became topic of
discussion as he was accused of rape during his last season in Chicago.
It took a toll on him and affected his play as the news grew louder for
him to be suspended for violation of the player conduct policy. He was
cleared of any wrongdoing by a federal jury in Los Angeles.
It was a wake-up call and reminder to be aware of your surroundings
and inner circle. From there, the Derrick Rose we once knew who had
lighting speed was fading faster by the season. His personal battles growing up in Chicago, as school wasn’t a priority. Living conditions didn’t help in part of trying to fend off insect bites while sleeping.
Basketball became his ticket out of the city, and he could care less
about school. That made him appreciate life and success more as his
career gained traction. He opened about how mental health impacted
his career during a trip back to his hometown as the city hosted the All-
Star Game in 2020. Derrick Rose will be remembered as a sensational guard who could give
you many highlights. Even at the very end, his game evolved into more
of a distributor. The days of him outrunning defenses for an acrobatic
finish were gone. I do believe he’s a future Hall of Famer; some may say
different. His greatness was displayed during his eight year tenure in
Chicago. There’s no denying what his impact had on basketball; playing
in an era of physical guards and speed for days. Take away injuries,
Rose’s career would’ve been extended.
In the end, Rose’s humble beginnings started in Chicago and took him
to basketball galore. Highs, lows, self-doubt in battling mental health,
while navigating a career filled with spotlights. The Rose who grew from
Chicago will always be a hometown legend in the eyes of many youth
who want to follow their dreams. No amount of success can take away
the struggles in this journey. Rose had to rise above, while defeating
the statistics black youth endure in life. Derrick, plant a new set of roses and watch them flourish as you begin the next chapter of life post basketball.
Stai tuned.
