During LeBron James’ final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, they made a last-ditch effort to compete by adding Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose to the roster. Of course, the experiment failed, and former Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue explained why in a recent episode of Club Shay Shay.

“LeBron gave them the leeway to do whatever they wanted,” Lue said. “But trying to figure it out—playing with each other, spacing, shooting, and all those components—played a factor. It just wasn’t a good fit. They could still play, but basketball-wise, it wasn’t right. That’s just how it didn’t work. If I had a little more time, I would have been able to figure it out.”

LeBron returned to Cleveland after a four-year stint with the Miami Heat, where he won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. His return was a major win for the Cavaliers, instantly putting them back into the championship picture.

What did the Cavaliers do next?

The Cavaliers aimed to bolster their roster with trusted veterans and former All-Stars like Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade. While fans were excited to see LeBron reunited with his former Heat teammate, the results didn’t meet expectations.

Before the 2018 trade deadline, the Cavaliers had a 31-22 record with a roster that clearly wasn’t clicking. Wade averaged 11.2 points per game, a career low, shooting 45.5% from the field. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose averaged just 9.8 points and 1.6 assists per game, hitting 43.9% of his shots in only 16 games.

Ultimately, the Cavaliers moved on from Wade and Rose after just half a season. In a series of trades, GM Koby Altman sent both players, along with Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Channing Frye, and Iman Shumpert, to acquire George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. Cleveland won 50 games in the NBA Eastern Conference before reaching the Finals that year, where they were swept 4-0 by the Golden State Warriors.

Calipari has seen, coached, and faced a lot of talented players over the years, but when it comes to the best point guard he has ever coached, the answer is clear for the 66-year-old.

On Wednesday, the Arkansas coach caused a stir among college basketball fans when he named the two best PGs he had under his wing. With huge names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, or De’Aaron Fox, many would expect him to pick an active NBA player.

John Calipari gushes about Derrick Rose and John Wall

Calipari took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his opinion on this matter, going with Derrick Rose and John Wall as the two best PGs he ever coached.

“Two of the best point guards and best teammates that I have ever coached. What I am most proud of is the men they have become. I can’t wait to see the impact they have with the rest of their lives!” Calipari tweeted.

Calipari coached Memphis from 2000 through 2009, taking a young but dominant Derrick Rose under his guidance. Rose led the Tigers to the 2008 national championship game before becoming the No. 1 selection in that year’s draft.

John Wall only spent a season with Kentucky in 2010, putting on remarkable numbers, becoming a consensus All-American, making it to the SEC All-Freshman team, and becoming the SEC tournament MVP on his way to the NBA.

The Bulls are set to retire Rose’s jersey on January 24, 2026, in a matchup against the Boston Celtics. But beyond Jordan’s legendary No. 23, which jerseys are already hanging in the rafters at the United Center? Chicago currently has four retired numbers:

• No. 4 – Jerry Sloan
• No. 10 – Bob Love
• No. 23 – Michael Jordan
• No. 33 – Scottie Pippen

The Bulls have also raised banners honoring former head coach Phil Jackson and longtime general manager Jerry Krause. Together, these tributes reflect the level of respect and recognition the franchise reserves for the most influential figures in its history.

Derrick Rose’s journey to his No. 1 retirement compared to Jordan

The retirement of Derrick Rose’s jersey by the Chicago Bulls is a tribute to a career that, while brilliant, was tragically impacted by injuries. Unlike Michael Jordan, whose jersey retirement honors an uninterrupted dynasty of six championships, Rose’s number celebrates his fleeting but electrifying impact as the youngest MVP in league history and as a hometown hero who brought new life to the city. His No. 1 represents a “what if”.

Rose’s path to this honor was a roller coaster of emotions for Bulls fans. His peak years in Chicago, before injuries derailed his career, were defined by an intensity and explosiveness the franchise hadn’t seen since the Jordan era. His number won’t hang in the rafters because of championships, but because of the hope and belief he instilled in a team that had been searching for its identity for more than a decade.

Where Jordan’s No. 23 retirement was a celebration of perfection and absolute dominance, Rose’s is something more personal. Jordan became a global icon, a near-mythical figure who transcended sports. Rose, by contrast, was always “Chicago’s kid” — a hometown hero who represented the city and its neighborhoods, making his NBA journey far more intimate and emotional for fans.

Ultimately, Rose’s jersey retirement is recognition of a different kind of greatness. If Jordan’s legacy is measured by supremacy and unmatched achievements, Rose’s is defined by impact, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Both honors are richly deserved, but they tell two very different stories: one of legendary dominance, and the other of inspirational perseverance.

In a recent interview with HoopsHype, Derrick was asked to name his best possible starting five using only players from today’s NBA. His answer included some obvious picks, a couple of surprises, and one major omission—even he later regretted.

“If I could pick a five right now… Steph,” Rose began, referring to Curry. He didn’t hesitate to select the four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors as his point guard. It’s a choice he’s uniquely qualified to make, considering his own experience and success at the position.

“Two-guard would have to be Ant,” he continued. Anthony Edwards is widely recognized as one of the NBA’s top shooting guards—often drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan—so it was no surprise to see the Minnesota Timberwolves star on Rose’s list.

“Kevin Durant,” was the next name the 2011 MVP mentioned. While KD’s inclusion wasn’t surprising, the position Rose assigned him—small forward—was a bit unexpected. That choice made more sense moments later, when Derrick named the next player.

“Bron at the four, because he plays like a four now,” Rose explained. While the positional switch is up for debate, it’s interesting to note that, had this question been posed a few years earlier, LeBron James and Kevin Durant might’ve swapped roles.

“And Joker,” the Bulls legend concluded. That pick, of course, is hard to argue with. Nikola Jokic has dominated in recent seasons, leading the Denver Nuggets and earning near-universal recognition as one of the best basketball players in the world today.

“That’s no knock to all my peers who still play. That’s just a quick five that was on my head, top of my head,” Rose clarified after naming his lineup. “It’s a lot of people that I miss, though, but it is what it is.”

Still, just moments later, he realized he had left out a major name from the list. “(Expletive), my bad Shai,” said Rose, remembering he had omitted none other than 2025 NBA MVP Gilgeous-Alexander. “(Expletive), I ain’t even throw Shai in there bro. Shai, my bad, Shai.”

Among the other superstar names left out of Rose’s starting five: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Jalen Brunson, Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum. All of them—along with many others—have built strong enough resumes to warrant inclusion, underscoring just how stacked the NBA is right now.

That’s why just a handful of players make it, and even fewer of them actually manage to have long and successful careers. No one can control all the defining factors.

What they can control, however, is the way they carry themselves. That’s why, to legendary college basketball coach John Calipari, it wasn’t a surprise to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reach these heights.

John Calipari gushes about SGA and Derrick Rose

When asked about his former Kentucky pupil, who was recently named NBA MVP, Calipari compared him to another former MVP of his coaching tree, Derrick Rose, stating that their personalities and how they treated their teammates were what made them truly special:

“Unbelievable teammates, both of them. So, Shai does not do a post-game interview without teammates around him. Won’t do it. Derrick would not take a picture for a magazine, whatever, unless he had teammates around him,” Calipari told Jim Rome.

Calipari has had his fair share of elite talents and great recruits throughout the course of the years, so watching him speak so highly of any player goes to show you just how much of a leader SGA has always been.

“Bron (LeBron James) was the only one that thought like a point guard that wasn’t a point guard where he wouldn’t score early or sometimes he would start scoring early, and he was smart enough to make the adjustment. I hated that,” Derrick Rose said, via Basketball Network.

Whether with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has managed to become one of the most dominant players of the era. During the 2008-09 through 2012-13 NBA seasons, he managed to win four MVP awards, which is remembered as his most dominant facet in the league.

However, he has managed to transform since that time, taking a much more prominent role in other facets such as creativity and defense, demonstrating his basketball IQ by adapting to the needs of his team. Despite this, he has managed to stay within the conversations of the best player of the season standing out as a much more complete player than in his MVP years.

How injuries and setbacks derailed Derrick Rose’s rise to NBA greatness?

At just 22 years old, Derrick Rose captivated Bulls fans by winning the MVP award, igniting hopes for him as the franchise’s next superstar. However, his promising career faced a major setback in 2012 when he tore his ACL during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, an injury that would keep him off the court for an extended period.

Unfortunately, Rose’s battle with injuries continued. In 2013, he tore the meniscus in his right knee, a heartbreaking injury that repeated in 2015. Also, he tore the meniscus in his left knee in 2017. These setbacks left him with lasting effects, and he openly admitted that he never fully regained his previous level of play.

Despite the challenges, Rose’s talent shone brightly, with former Bulls player Stacey King praising his abilities as being on par with the greatest of all time. “That’s the Kobe, Michael type situation. You have to be special to be that kind of player and Derrick had that same kind of DNA that those guys had,” he said, reported by Marca.

While Rose did not entirely fulfill the sky-high expectations of some fans, his impact on the Bulls remains undeniable. The franchise recognized his contributions by retiring his iconic number ‘1’ jersey, securing his legacy in Chicago basketball history.

“My GOAT now is Isiah Thomas because he’s from Chicago,” revealed Rose during a recent interview with HoopsHype. The 2011 league MVP then highlighted a key reason behind his pick: “The only guy who beat Magic (Johnson), Mike (Jordan), and (Larry) Bird all in their prime at 6-3. Chicago’s way of doing (expletive).”

This answer is surprising for several reasons. First, because most players tend to name Jordan as their GOAT—especially those who played for the Bulls. And also because Rose himself had previously mentioned His Airness as the greatest of all time.

“I used to say MJ, but it wasn’t MJ. I said it because I was intrigued by his story and how he won,” Derrick clarified. He then pointed to how his own experience as a player influenced his decision to choose Thomas over Michael. “I’m not a two-guard. I don’t score like him at all. So it was just me just admiring his story.”

Rose’s strong ties to the city of Chicago

Despite being one of the most important Bulls players of this century—in fact, the only member of the franchise to win the MVP award in the last 27 years—Derrick Rose has always made it clear that his main allegiance is to the city of Chicago, where he was born in October 1988.

With that in mind, in an interview earlier this year on the Out The Mud podcast, Rose named his top five Chicago players. “I gotta go Zeke,” he said first, referring to Isiah Thomas and remaining consistent with his current choice of the Detroit Pistons icon as the GOAT.

Derrick then highlighted other former NBA players born in Chicago, such as Will Bynum, Tony Allen, Jabari Parker, Patrick Beverley, and Sherron Collins.

The rivalry between Jordan and Thomas

The clashes between Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas began in MJ’s early years in the league. He was already the undisputed leader of the Bulls, but had yet to take them to the top of the Eastern Conference, largely due to the Detroit Pistons.

For three consecutive years, from 1988 to 1990, the Bad Boys knocked Chicago out of the playoffs, winning the championship in two of those three seasons. The streak finally ended in 1991, and from that point on, MJ would dominate the NBA—but his relationship with Thomas was never repaired.

The tension reached such a point that, during the lead-up to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the question of whether or not Isiah would be included became a key issue in Jordan’s decision to join Team USA. While Mike always denied making Thomas’s exclusion a condition, he did acknowledge that discussions on the matter took place—and in the end, Thomas was left off the roster despite his basketball credentials.

In a conversation on the Out The Mud podcast with former NBA players Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, Rose was tasked with naming his top five players from the city of Chicago, and his selections sparked interesting discussions.

“I gotta go Zeke,” Derrick began, referring to Isiah Thomas. The Hall of Fame point guard, known for leading the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, was a fierce competitor. Thomas, a central figure in one of the most intense rivalries in NBA history with Michael Jordan’s Bulls, remains a polarizing figure in Chicago’s basketball history.

Rose’s second pick was somewhat unconventional: “I gotta go Will Bynum,” he said. Bynum, a former guard for the Pistons, retired in 2018, but his influence on the game in Chicago ran deep. “Only reason I threw Will on there, was a (expletive) prodigy,” Derrick explained.

Tony Allen also praised Bynum’s impact on Chicago. “They don’t understand what he meant to the city,” he said. “What he meant to my life… I was lost, and he pulled me back into the realm of school and basketball.”

Tony Allen is on Rose’s top 5

In continuing with his list of top Chicago-born NBA players, Derrick Rose included one of his podcast interviewers, Tony Allen. “TA… That’s a fact… TA,” he said, nodding to Allen’s legendary defensive prowess.

Allen, a standout small forward known for his tenacious defense, had successful stints with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, before retiring in 2018 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Upon hearing the praise, Tony was visibly humbled. “Take me off there, I don’t want to be on there,” he said, clearly uncomfortable with the attention from his former teammate.

The rest of Rose’s list

Derrick Rose continued with his selections, adding Jabari Parker. “I gotta go Jabari,” Rose said, referencing the 2014 second overall pick, whose career, though filled with promise, was marred by injuries. Parker played for several teams, including the Bulls, and currently plays in Spain for FC Barcelona.

“I’ma throw Pat on there,” Derrick added. Patrick Beverley, a relentless competitor, was known for his defensive intensity. He had stints with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, and has played across multiple countries, including Russia and Israel.

“I’m a throw Sherron’s name up there because when he was playing he was a (expletive) too.” The final spot on Rose’s list went to Sherron Collins, a player with a brief NBA career but significant local impact. Collins, who played just 20 games with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010-11, earned praise from Rose for his toughness and influence, despite not reaching the same level of NBA success as others on the list.

Rose’s broader perspective on success

It’s clear that Rose’s criteria went beyond just NBA accolades. His selections emphasize the cultural and personal connections these players had to Chicago, not only for their on-court achievements but also for the way they impacted the city and the community.

“My rookie year, my first preseason game was against D-Rose when he was in Detroit. I was like, ‘Man, this is insane,'” Garland recalled during an interview on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. The Cleveland guard immediately elaborated on the deep connection he feels with Derrick Rose, citing the influence of the Bulls legend on his own journey.

“I’m a Gary, Indiana kid, born and raised in Gary, Indiana-by way of Nashville… D-Rose just had the whole region on lock-from Indiana to Chicago, damn near the whole world, not even gonna lie to you,” Garland explained.

For Darius, Derrick Rose’s rise to stardom in Chicago was a pivotal moment. “That number one jersey-that was the first jersey I had, and that was the only one I had,” the guard shared, referencing the Bulls jersey Rose wore during his 2011 MVP season, a No. 1 jersey that will soon be retired by the Bulls in his honor.

Derrick Rose’s impact

Delving into his admiration for Rose, Darius Garland explained how the Bulls legend influenced him and others his age. “The youngest MVP in the league. It just brought so much inspiration for us,” the Cleveland star said. “We used to lower the goal so I could go dunk like D-Rose.”

Darius went on to discuss the qualities that made Derrick Rose such a special player. “He was just relentless-get it by any means necessary,” he said. “He couldn’t shoot it as well, but just his handle, his quickness, and just getting to the paint, shooting a floater, using his athleticism-which I don’t have. Wish I had it.”

Derrick Rose’s NBA career

Derrick Rose’s career began with immense promise. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, he quickly became a superstar and the leader of the Chicago Bulls. At the time, the franchise was facing a critical rebuilding phase, a decade after Michael Jordan’s definitive departure.

As Garland noted, Rose made history by becoming the youngest player to win the NBA MVP at just 22 years old and in his third season. However, Derrick’s path was marred by injuries, which hindered his ability to maintain his elite level of play. After seven seasons in Chicago, he left in 2016, spending time with the New York Knicks and several other franchises before retiring in 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies, never fully recapturing his peak form.

Rose’s lasting impact on the game

Despite his injury struggles, Derrick Rose’s impact on the NBA is undeniable. He remains one of the greatest players in Chicago Bulls history and will soon have his No. 1 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters. More importantly, Rose’s legacy as a trailblazer and inspiration continues to influence a generation of NBA players, like Darius Garland, who now stand as some of the league’s brightest stars.

In an interview with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Rose was asked about the possibility of a statue being erected in his honor at the United Center. His response was straightforward: “The statue… With the way people are creating the statues, no,” Rose quipped, causing the reporter to laugh. “I do not want no statue. No statue.”

Rose then turned to the camera, sending a clear message to the Bulls’ leadership. “Jerry, no statues, man. Please, Michael, no statue.” This was directed at Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls’ owner, and Michael Reinsdorf, the team’s president.

It’s easy to understand Rose’s reluctance. His comments seem to reference the recent unveiling of Dwyane Wade’s statue in Miami. The tribute sparked social media jokes about the statue’s resemblance to the Heat legend, and it’s likely that Rose wants to avoid any similar outcomes.

The tribute Rose actually wants

After the humorous exchange, Derrick Rose became more serious and spoke candidly about the tribute he would truly appreciate from the Bulls. “The jersey thing, my jersey being retired, I would love that,” he said. “That would be my way of getting close to the Top 75, and I’m only saying that because it relates to the MVP. It’s only a handful, a small group that got that trophy back there.”

The Bulls will retire Rose’s jersey

Rose’s wish will soon be granted. On Saturday night, the Chicago Bulls will host the New York Knicks at the United Center, marking “Derrick Rose Night.” The evening will feature a series of tributes to the former guard, including both teams wearing warm-up shirts honoring Rose and displaying memorabilia from his illustrious career.

In addition, the Bulls announced through CEO Michael Reinsdorf that Rose’s jersey will be retired during the 2025-26 NBA season, making him the fifth player in franchise history to receive this honor.

Which jerseys are retired by the Chicago Bulls?

When Rose’s No. 1 is raised to the rafters, he will join an elite group of Bulls legends. Jerry Sloan’s No. 4, Bob Love’s No. 10, Michael Jordan’s No. 23, and Scottie Pippen’s No. 33 have all been retired. Now, Derrick will be forever remembered alongside these iconic figures.

Derrick Rose is well-known for overcoming numerous challenges throughout his career, many of which paused his professional trajectory. Injuries, in particular, played a major role in derailing what could have been one of the greatest careers in NBA history. After announcing his retirement in 2024, Rose stepped away from playing but has remained an influential figure within the Memphis Grizzlies organization as a respected veteran.

Despite his playing days being behind him, Rose’s mentorship has been instrumental in Morant’s growth, helping him develop into an effective leader on the court. Morant is currently averaging 22.0 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, statistically one of the Grizzlies’ most impactful players.

Ja Morant’s impact on Grizzlies

Morant’s skills as both a playmaker and shooter highlight the maturity he has developed throughout his career. While scoring is often the spotlight of a player’s success, Morant understands that there is much more to the game. His evolving playmaking abilities and basketball IQ have become key components of his all around impact on the court.

For the Memphis Grizzlies to remain a serious contender in the playoffs and challenge for the NBA Championship, it’s crucial they continue to build a strong supporting cast around Ja Morant while focusing on maintaining his morale and physical health.