Not long after Derrick Rose announced his retirement from the NBA, tributes from players, coaches, and fans started pouring in. One of the most heartfelt messages came from fellow Chicago Bulls icon and Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, who praised Rose’s remarkable resiliency amidst numerous severe injuries that derailed his meteoric rise.
A true legend
After the Bulls of the 1990s ended their dynasty with a sixth NBA title in 1998, Chicago went on a postseason drought, failing to make the NBA Playoffs in six straight seasons. After the team briefly bounced back with three consecutive trips to the playoffs, they again hit rock bottom when they finished with a 33-49 record in the 2007-2008 season, eventually earning them the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
With that pick, the Bulls selected Chi-town’s own Rose, a point guard from the University of Memphis. The 6-foot-3 phenom quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the franchise to three straight playoff appearances, including the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat.
However, Rose’s bright future with the Bulls suddenly turned bleak when he tore his ACL the following season. He missed the entire 2012-2013 campaign, returned, and played ten games in the 2013-2014 season, but he was clearly not the same dominant player he once was. Still, Pippen lauded Rose’s resilience and tenacity in returning to the Bulls and continuing to represent his hometown.
A career that went beyond highlights
While “Pooh’s” career was filled with highlights, especially from his first three seasons in the league, Pippen pointed out that Derrick’s career wasn’t defined by his rim-rattling slam dunks and fearless forays to the basket. Rather, it was about the heart to overcome adversity and the determination to continue playing despite multiple injuries.
“Your journey was never just about the highlights; it was about the heart, the hustle, and the way you bounced back every time. The game won’t be the same without you, D. Rose. Respect forever,” Pip shared.
Plenty of explosive guards are in the league right now, but there will never be another D-Rose. He may not have had the longevity or accolades of players like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, but his impact on Chicago and legacy will always be remembered for generations.