One of the most electrifying athletes in Chicago sports history retired a few days ago. Part of the celebration of his illustrious career is looking back on some of the moments that made him an icon, the plays that earned his title as one of the most explosive point guards to ever play in the NBA, and the highlights that won over Chicagoan’s hearts during his tenure with the organization. From high-flying dunks to game-winning shots, Rose was must-see television, beginning with his Rookie of the Year award-winning campaign and ending with his heartbreaking trade to the New York Knicks. Let’s reminisce about his three best that stood the test of time.
3. Goran Dragic, Meet Derrick Rose
This one had to be on the list of the most iconic D-Rose highlights of all time. His most viewed dunk highlight throughout his career, the second year pro taught Goran Dragic not to jump with him in the cruelest way imaginable. Late in the fourth quarter of a game that the Bulls would beat the Phoenix Suns, the reserve point guard had a rough outing. Not only did he shoot 2-8 in his short time on the court, but he also fell victim to the two most thunderous points of Rose’s 32-point effort. This one is still near the top of any posterizing dunk highlight tape leaguewide.
2. He Called Game (And Bank)
As LeBron James did to many Eastern Conference stars throughout the last two decades, Rose was presented with a stone wall whenever the two former MVPs met in the postseason. In Chicago’s defense, James brought a better-supporting cast in the three playoff series in which the two clashed. After being bounced from championship contention three times in a row, twice by James, Rose was destined to make the 2014-15 team the ones to overcome his rival finally. With the series knotted at one game a piece, Rose knocked down the most miraculous shot in the United Center since Michael Jordan’s heroics in the late 1990s.
As part of a 30-point, seven-assist, seven-rebound performance, Chicago thought there was real hope of turning away the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James. Ultimately, he and Kyrie Irving were too much and took down the Bulls in six games. That magical moment in game three will forever live in the history books.
1. The Youngest MVP In League History
This will go down as the number one memory of Derrick Rose and might be his entry ticket to the Naismith Hall of Fame. During his third season in the NBA, at just 22 years old, Rose was awarded the MVP honor, beating out LeBron James. He led the Bulls to their first 60 or more-win campaign and number one seed in the Eastern Conference since Michael Jordan, two feats that haven’t been scratched still to this day. 100% of retired MVP award winners are enshrined in the Hall, with Rose’s case now standing as the most controversial as to whether or not he joins that club. The lack of longevity in his elite achievements is the primary debate since his reign of dominance only lasted three or four years.
The hometown kid immortalized himself in the United Center walls and Chicago streets that season. His demeanor and style of play turned the heads of Chicagoans and all NBA fans alike. When D-Rose was playing basketball, their eyes were glued to the television. There will never be another Derrick Rose, and hopefully his number waves in the rafters before it’s all said and done.
