Chicago's Iconic Rose

Prior to the 2024-25 NBA season, the announcement was made that Derrick Rose was retiring. As a fan you hate to see it happen but you know its coming eventually. We've been fortunate to watch his professional career of 16 years. So many highlights and so many moments of awe gave us all something to cheer about.

I was able to hear about his game during his days prior to his time at Simeon Academy. My brother is slightly younger than Derrick so I still heard about the younger ball players coming up. I also knew some people that had relatives that went to Beasley Elementary. To be honest, I didn't know his name was Derrick, I only heard Pooh. The first thing out of everyone's mouth when his name came up was "Shorty nice". That was my introduction to Derrick Rose.

His career is well documented so I won't go through that part of it. What I will talk about is the moments that solidified him in Chicago as one of its icons. A major thing in Chicago is playing for a storied high school program and within that, the role you play on that team. The two most coveted basketball jersey numbers in Chicago are 23, the Michael Jordan effect, and 25 at Simeon Academy. You knew you were the best player on the team if you wore 23. At Simeon that distinction was given to the player that wore the number 25, until it was retired. When Derrick was given that number, the city was put on notice that Chicago had one. And it was solidified by him winning the state championship.

On the college level, we followed his decision and watched his season unfold. I'm willing to bet that year's NCAA Championship game was the most celebrated by Chicagoans since Isiah Thomas at Indiana University. Though he didn't win, his match up with Sharron Collins added to the lore of what Derrick Rose would become. Being drafted number 1 and to his hometown team brought so much excitement to the city. To us, he was the next savior of Chicago Bulls basketball. Becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history and the viral All-Star appearance both had the city sticking its chest out.

Now, this has to be mentioned because it was such a major part of his story, the injury and the time off was considered by many as a low point. On the surface it is. His career was put on hold. The amazing part of the injury is what came from it. Derrick was able to return to the court and that return was celebrated by everyone. The physical return was great but what was more important was the mental and emotional growth he had. If you haven't had the chance to see it, he speaks about it during his interview with Math Hoffa.

Then, in my humble opinion, his biggest applause came with his 50 point game. Yes the basketball world cheered but Chicago cheered loudest. He wasn't playing for the Bulls yet it was a magical and iconic moment in our eyes. To see the culmination of all the hard work and frustrations show up in the 50 point game was emotional to watch. For us it was a feeling of thank you for continuing to be the legend we all hoped to see. Finally and unfortunately we see this journey end. No more on the court highlights. He's going to be missed tremendously.

Over the next few days and weeks, we'll hear stories of how great he was and how players got the D Rose Flu. There will also be talk about his chances of entering the Hall of Fame. I look at his career and say he is going in. Others will question the length of time he was at the top of his game. I believe what he did throughout his career was enough to overcome that argument. I know Chicago will stand up if Derrick is elected into the Hall of Fame. Regardless of the voter's decision, Derrick Rose is without question one of Chicago's biggest Icons.