Derrick Rose’s journey from the streets of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to NBA superstardom is a story of talent, perseverance, and hometown pride. Growing up, Rose watched Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen lead the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, dreaming of one day joining the legends whose jerseys hung above the United Center. On January 4, 2025, Rose achieved that dream as his No. 1 jersey was retired, joining the exclusive company of Jordan’s No. 23 and Pippen’s No. 33.
The path to that night was anything but simple. The first major turning point came on May 20, 2008, when the Bulls defied long odds in the NBA Draft lottery. With only a 1.7 percent chance to win, Chicago leapfrogged from the ninth position to claim the No. 1 pick. That pick would become Derrick Rose, a 6-foot-3 guard from the South Side of Chicago known for his athleticism, explosiveness, and dedication to the game.
Growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, Rose used basketball as an outlet and a way to stay focused amid the daily challenges surrounding him. Murray Park became his home court, where he honed his skills for hours on end. His talent became impossible to ignore during his time at Simeon Career Academy, where he led the Wolverines to back-to-back state titles in 2006 and 2007.
College scouts quickly noticed Rose, including then-Memphis coach John Calipari. “He was so fast. If he ever got the ball stolen from him, it was getting pinned on the other end,” Calipari said. “He had that floater even back then. I had to get him out of the gym.” As a freshman at Memphis, Rose led the Tigers to the NCAA Final Four. Though they finished as tournament runner-up, Rose’s performance put him at the top of NBA draft boards.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose (NBA)
Rose’s Meteoric Rise, Rookie Impact, MVP Triumph, and Battles with Career-Altering Injuries
The 2008 NBA Draft marked a full-circle moment for Rose. When Commissioner David Stern announced the Bulls had selected him with the No. 1 pick, Rose’s lifelong dream became reality. “I’m playing at the highest basketball level, in my hometown,” Rose said, capturing the emotional weight of the moment. LeBron James, who had experienced a similar journey from Akron to Cleveland, praised Rose, saying, “You couldn’t even write a script better than that.”
Rose immediately made an impact. As a rookie, he averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over 81 games. His explosive style and fearless play made him a fan favorite and earned him the 2009 Rookie of the Year award with 111 of 120 first-place votes. His playoff debut was equally memorable: he scored 36 points and added 11 assists against the defending champion Boston Celtics, signaling the emergence of a new Eastern Conference contender.
In his second season, Rose became an NBA All-Star and produced one of his most iconic plays—a thunderous dunk over Goran Dragic in Phoenix, a moment that highlighted his explosiveness and athleticism. By his third season, Rose had set his sights on the NBA’s highest honor.
The 2010-11 season was historic. Rose averaged 25 points and 7.7 assists per game, leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record—the franchise’s best since the 1997-98 championship season. On May 3, 2011, Rose became the youngest NBA MVP in history at 22, surpassing Wes Unseld’s record. He won 113 of 120 first-place votes, a testament to his dominance on the court. LeBron James praised Rose’s speed, skill, and competitiveness, noting the respect he commanded from other top players.
The Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals that year but fell to the Miami Heat. Though the series ended in defeat, Rose had firmly established himself as a generational talent and a beacon of hope for Chicago basketball.
Rose’s career trajectory changed dramatically in the 2011-12 season. After leading the Bulls to the best record in the East, Rose tore his left ACL in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The injury ended his season and the Bulls’ championship hopes, beginning a long and challenging journey of recovery.
Over the next several seasons, Rose faced recurring injuries, including multiple meniscus tears in his right knee in 2013 and 2015, each requiring season-ending surgery. Despite these setbacks, he repeatedly returned to the court, demonstrating determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic that earned the admiration of coaches, teammates, and fans.
Derrick Rose (1)
Derrick Rose (NBA)
Rose’s Iconic Buzzer Beater and Enduring Legacy in Chicago Basketball History
One of Rose’s most unforgettable moments came on May 8, 2015, during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the game tied at 96 and only three seconds left, Rose caught the inbounds pass, dribbled twice, and hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win 99-96. Joakim Noah lifted Rose in celebration while teammates swarmed the court. Rose’s composure highlighted his leadership and confidence.
This iconic shot evoked memories of Michael Jordan’s game-winners, completing a circle for a hometown hero who had grown up idolizing the Bulls’ legends. It was a moment that Chicago fans would never forget.
Following the 2015 playoffs, Rose’s tenure with the Bulls began to wind down. After the 2016 season and a playoff absence, he was traded to the New York Knicks and went on to play with the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Grizzlies, ending his career where his college journey began.
After announcing his retirement in September 2024, the Bulls celebrated Derrick Rose Night at the United Center in January 2025. Rose’s No. 1 jersey joined those of Jordan, Pippen, Bob Love, and Jerry Sloan, making him the only hometown player to receive the honor. Rose credited the people and experiences that shaped him throughout his journey, emphasizing the collective effort behind his success.
Derrick Rose’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and community pride. From the blacktops of Englewood to the United Center, Rose consistently overcame challenges while inspiring others with his talent, determination, and perseverance. Joakim Noah reflected on Rose’s impact: “Chicago, of all places… the way Derrick was able to represent that, I think a lot of people gravitated to and respected that.”
Rose’s legacy extends beyond statistics or awards. It is defined by the joy he brought to fans, the excitement of his unforgettable plays, and the inspiration he provided to young athletes growing up in challenging circumstances. With his jersey now hanging in the rafters alongside the greatest Bulls of all time, Derrick Rose’s story is a testament to hard work, talent, and hometown pride.