Derrick Rose was a force to be reckoned with during the prime of his career. He became the youngest MVP in NBA history after receiving the honor in just his third season. D-Rose was on the path to greatness, but it never happened.
After becoming an NBA MVP at 22 years old, Derrick caught the injury bug, which took away his nuclear athleticism. Rose's insane athletic ability made him the star he was during his prime.
Despite suffering from multiple potential career-ending injuries, the former Chicago Bulls star continued his career. However, the 36-year-old finally announced retirement ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Rose decided to retire after a conversation with his son
During the last few years of his career, D-Rose rejuvenated himself into a stellar role player. Derrick had solid stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks. But it was clear that Rose's best days, even as a role player, were past him.
While that led to the three-time NBA All-Star contemplating retirement, a conversation with his son, Derrick Rose Jr. (PJ Rose), sealed the deal for him. The former Tiger revealed his thought process in a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast.
"I had been thinking about it for a while, but what I was just telling you all in the room about giving it all to your kids," Rose said . "Like my younger kids, they don't mention the game at all. They don't ask about are we going to the game. They don't say nothing bro. But with PJ, I had to talk to him a little bit different. So, before I even talk to everybody, we in the room, it's me and him just talking, and I'm like, it's time."
The decorated point guard further explained he wants to mentor his son if he pursues a basketball career. Rose aims to achieve something similar to what Carmelo Anthony did with his son, Kiyan. Since retiring, Melo has been involved in the boy's journey to becoming the next big thing in the basketball world, and it's working out pretty well.
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Derrick sees himself in the Basketball Hall of Fame
D-Rose essentially had two careers during his 15-year stint in the Association. In the beginning, the Bulls selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft, touting him as the next big thing.
For what it's worth, Rose delivered on those expectations, winning the MVP award and helping the Bulls return to the postseason. However, after tearing his ACL, the Memphis product lost his athleticism and didn't accumulate many accolades.
Despite that, the former Bulls superstar believes he has done enough to be inducted into the HoF in the future. That's a huge dream, but it could still be fulfilled due to D-Rose's achievements in his early career.
Related: "Going back to the crib" - Derrick Rose recalls getting drafted by the Chicago Bulls
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