Derrick Rose recently retired from the game of basketball. For Rose, his career is filled with questions.
What if he never got injured? What if he stayed healthy? Could he have become one of the greatest players of all time?
2008
Rose was the number one pick in the 2008 draft. Growing up in Chicago, being drafted by the Chicago Bulls, was special for him, and the city. Expectations were high, and Rose delivered.
Star
He was an exciting player to watch. He could dominate with his speed, strength, and aerial attacks. His dunks.
His crossovers. His violent attacks on the rim were fodder for highlight reels. He was fearless on the court.
6 Rings
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson would make up the core of 6 NBA Championships. There were important supporting players, like Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc, and Dennis Rodman. They helped the team win six championships in the 1990s.
That legendary run would end in 1998. Some would blame Bulls ownership and management, and others would blame age. Regardless, the Michael Jordan era ended with a sixth ring.
Struggles
The franchise would struggle after the disbandment of the Jordan, Pippen and Jackson led squads. Bad luck would strike consistently and viciously, almost as if the Bulls were being punished for their run in the 1990s. There were draft picks that did not pan out and free agent opportunities that were missed.
Number One Pick
When the Bulls Drafted Derrick Rose with the number one pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the fortunes of Chicago were starting to improve. Rose would make an instant impact on the Bulls, winning Rookie of the Year and leading them to the Playoffs. In 2011, he would be named MVP of the league.
The Bulls were contenders and considered the team of the future with Rose as their starting point guard. He was explosive and played with a kind of flair Chicago had not seen since “His Airness.”
Heartbreak
Tragically, injury would end Rose’s time in Chicago. Rose was from Chicago, and when he was Drafted, he instantly lifted the spirits of Bulls fans worldwide. But injuries made his time in Chicago end on a sour note. He would play 8 seasons for Chicago before being traded and ending an era of hope for Chicago.
Retirement
On September 26, 2024, D. Rose retired from the game of basketball. He did not reach his full potential, but he still has left behind an enduring legacy. His highlights are jaw dropping to this day. There is no doubt Rose would have been considered one of the best guards of all time if injuries did not interfere.
- Adam C. Better
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