Prime Derrick Rose was a cut above the rest, and it's no surprise that many of his NBA peers and contemporaries hold him in high esteem. Among those who have admired D-Rose's game and evolution as a player is Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson .
For Thompson, Rose has left fans with some lasting memories of his explosiveness and remarkable athleticism. Klay also made a noteworthy comparison, stressing that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant bears similarities to Derrick yet still falls short in terms of overall intensity and impact.
"Man, Derrick's going to have highlights that live for eternity," Thompson said via NBA.com. "You don't see point guards doing what he did. The closest one is Ja [Morant], and he doesn't feel as powerful as Derrick."
Klay feels for D-Rose
Rose's untimely ACL injury drastically affected his career. Apart from enduring a challenging road to recovery, Derrick realized that he wasn't the same player when he returned. He was still a talented player, but his tenacity had dipped a bit.
The Warriors sharpshooter also suffered a serious injury in the midst of his peak form, so he expressed deep sympathy for D-Rose. 'Game 6 Klay' understood the physical and emotional toll that such unwanted injuries can have on a player, especially one as dynamic as the former Memphis Tiger.
"Man, that's so hard to go through as an athlete," Thompson said of Rose's injury. "You lose a little pop. You're so used to playing a certain way. So used to jumping a certain height. It's the hardest part of the game, honestly. You've got to adjust, and he's adjusted incredibly well."
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D-Rose's unique NBA career
After fully recovering from his ACL injury, Rose had to adapt his playing style to accommodate the changes in his body. Despite his efforts to regain his previous form, the youngest MVP in NBA history faced setbacks and could not perform at the same level as before.
Due to the changes in his physical abilities as a player, D-Rose was prompted to reevaluate his role. Initially known for his flashy plays and high-flying dunks, Derrick had to adjust his game and embrace a new identity as a role player.
The process tested the Chicago native's patience and determination as he had to set aside his ego in transitioning from a primary scorer to a role player. Nevertheless, he could get over it mentally and completely move on. Instead of relying solely on his athleticism, Rose focused on his shooting, playmaking, and leadership skills.
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