During the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls were the most dominant team in the NBA, led by none other than Michael Jordan . However, after winning six NBA titles in the decade, the Bulls struggled to find their next big star.
That was the case until they were rewarded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, and the organization decided to bet its future on a young Derrick Rose . D-Rose showed insane growth in a matter of years and became the youngest MVP in the league's history in his third season with the franchise.
Unfortunately, a string of injuries derailed Rose's basketball career. Despite his short prime, Derrick could have never reached such heights had the Bulls never shown trust in him.
Rose vividly remembers getting drafted by the Bulls
Following an incredible 15-year journey, Derrick finally decided to call it a day ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. While the three-time All-Star played for six franchises during his career, his stint with Chi-Town will forever remain iconic.
Speaking of which, D-Rose recently recalled getting drafted by the organization in a conversation on the Club 520 podcast.
"We was in the L.A. at the time, and right when I seen that they were like one of the last ones I kind of knew then what it was," Rose said . "Even though people in the room didn't say, I'm like, 'Damn, Chicago has a seven percent chance, we going to end up winning that s**t.' That's going back to the crib. Everybody got to experience that at least one time."
Being raised in Chicago, it must have felt like a dream come true for Rose. Derrick even spent his high school career in the city before moving to Memphis for the NCAA experience. D-Rose would ultimately bring back the joy in the eyes of the Bulls nation, albeit for a short period of time.
Related: Julius Erving believes no player is similar to him in the modern NBA: “I was a small forward, but I really played like a power forward”
'What if' career in the end
The 6'3" guard spent seven seasons with the Bulls, averaging 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game over 406 contests. He also won several accolades, such as the NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP award.
Unfortunately, Derrick tore his ACL in 2012, essentially destroying his chances of remaining a top player in the Association. After missing the entire 2012-13 season, D-Rose came back, but it was clear that he was no longer the superstar he once was.
The once insanely athletic guard was stripped of his athleticism, and ultimately, the Bulls gave up on their former No. 1 overall pick after the 2015-16 season. Either way, the Chicago native gave his best to the franchise for as long as possible. It would be a shame if the Bulls did not hang Rose's jersey in the rafters.
Related: Keith Bogans reveals what made Derrick Rose standout as a Bull: "He represented the city of Chicago like he was from there"
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