When you speak about vintage Derrick Rose, you may talk about his flashy layups or game winning jump-shots; but add his speech to the list. Rose has a past of babbling on from one sentence to another without rehearsing with his PR staff. This speeches have led him to a few iconic moments like when he said “Why can’t I be the MVP of the league?” as he asked during the 2010 Bulls Media Day. Then there are other times when Rose told the media openly that he doesn’t want to play every game because he doesn’t want to bring a cane to his son’s graduation.
Derrick Rose has been arguably the most ridiculed player in Chicago since winning his MVP award in 2011. With hallow promises and questionable statements, Derrick Rose quickly went from hero to villain overnight. Time and time again, people must be reminded that Derrick Rose doesn’t care to be the face of anything. While Lebron James gladly sitting on this throne being the face of the NBA, he’s also enjoying the perks of the spotlights as he dances his way in-and-out of camera the frame. That’s not Derrick Rose, not by a long shot. The 2012 NBA Allstar game was good proof of that as Derrick Rose stood still next to Lebron James as he danced on stage. Even for a major event like that, Rose doesn’t bend his personality. Why would he now?
Were the statements he made on media day questionable? Of course. Beyond questionable, it was inappropriate timing as well. For a player to miss three post-seasons since entering his extension does not warrant him to talk about his next deal at all. However, this is Rose just being who he is. The question directed towards him had nothing to do with free agency, but Rose spoke from the heart and his heartbeat just happened to be saying the word money. You’d be kidding yourself if you think players aren’t thinking about the 2017 salary cap increase. Heck, Butler tried his best signing a short-term deal just to get his hands in the gold pot in 2017. Again, there’s a time and place for that matter. Rose’s statements just weren’t appropriate for the time being, but every other player in the league is feeling what Rose had the guts to say.
When Rose spoke his mind his first few seasons, the fans loved it. Nothing has changed in his mentality, but the situation around him caused him to change his sentences a bit. He would always claim he’s the best but in a humble manner, which is no different from what he was claiming yesterday at Media Day as well. The only difference is he wasn’t able to prove it the past few seasons due to his health.
It’s okay to feel angry or upset at Rose. However, nobody can be upset at Rose for not caring for your feelings though. He’ll continue to speak his mind and probably anger a few people along the way, but it’s his decision not to listen to his PR staff because he wants to be himself. There’s not a lot of respect that floats around the league, but Rose being loyal to himself is something that shouldn’t be ridiculed, it should be celebrated. Not everyone wants to be like Lebron James, a perfect face for the league. Rose wants to be himself, so let him be. After all, he’s the Rose that grew from concrete.
