Some may consider it glass half empty, other’s may see it as glass half-full, but Derrick Rose’s career had it’s fair share of twists and turns leaving fans on an uncontrollable emotional roller-coaster ride. As Derrick Rose turns 27, there’s a lot that he’s accomplished despite missing a ton of games, but there’s a lot more left on the table to be accomplished as well.
First Season 2008-2009:
Derrick Rose walked into the league as the number one pick in the 2008 NBA draft. With the spotlights shining on him, Rose produced big time on the floor with his acrobatic layups and high flying dunks. Rose, limited by his poor jump-shot, often relied on his speed to get past his defender to score points. Being taken under the wing of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, Derrick Rose was given a role by the rookie coach Vinny Del Negro that made him flourish in just his first season. Rose was a part of the famous Boston Celtics series that resulted in many overtime games and an eventual loss in Game 7 of the first round. Rose did have the best rookie debut of all time in the playoffs with 36 points and 11 assists as he suddenly sparked the debate of best point guard in the league. Rose ended his rookie season winning the Rookie of the Year award in a landslide.
Rose’s averages: 16.8 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.9 RPG.
Second Season 2009-2010:
Derrick Rose taking strides in just his second season that earned him a spot on the Allstar team. Derrick Rose became the first Allstar since Michael Jordan in 1998 for the Chicago Bulls. With momentum pushing his way, Rose broke through any sophomore slump that was headed his way. With a mission to takeover the league, Rose met Lebron Jame in the playoffs for the first time in his career. The 8th seeded Bulls took the Cavaliers to five games before their eventual exit from the playoffs.
Rose’s averages: 20.8 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.8 RPG
Third Season 2010-2011:
A special season for a special player. Rose’s third season left the Bulls fans amazed and they’re still talking about his season with the Bulls in 2010-2011. With addition of a few key free agents like Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer, and Ronnie Brewer, the Bulls suddenly topped the league with the best record as Tom Thibodeau help lead the team. Rose was the sole leader that fueled the team together. In a sad loss in the Eastern Conference Finals to Lebron James and the Miami Heat, the Bulls fans were sadden but filled with hope for the future. Rose ended the season with an MVP and a heartwarming acceptance speech.
Rose’s averages: 25.0 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.1 RPG.
Fourth Season: 2011-2012:
After having an MVP season, Derrick Rose looked to produced even more the following season with an NBA championship. However, while playing in a shortened season due to the NBA lockout, Derrick Rose endured a few injuries along the way which kept him out of the season for 27 out of the 66 games. As Rose went into the playoffs with his backcourt partner in Rip Hamilton, Rose tore his ACL in the first game in the playoffs against the Sixers which kept him out of the playoffs for the rest of the season.
21.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 3.4 RPG.
Fifth Season 2012-2013:
After enduring a painful injury in the playoffs, Derrick Rose decided to take the year off to rest his body. With the Bulls management and Rose not being on the same page, the endless media hype of Rose’s return gave Bulls fans a bad stench as they saw their MVP sit out of the playoffs despite being medically cleared.
Rose’s averages: N/A
Sixth Season: 2013-2014:
As Rose received criticism for missing the previous season despite being medically cleared, Rose was on a mission to prove his loyalty to the fan base. Just after 10 games into the season, Derrick Rose goes down against the Blazers with a torn meniscus which kept him out of the season once again. With 10 games under his belt in two season, Bulls fans grew frustrated once again.
Rose’s averages: 15.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.4 RPG.
Seventh season 2014-2015:
With the fan base split in half, Derrick Rose quickly had half his fans cheering against him as they mocked his injuries. With the addition of Pau Gasol and Tom Thibodeau already being on the hot seat, there was a lot at stake for Rose to perform this season or jobs would be lost. With a few minor injuries along the way and one knee surgery, Rose managed to miss 31 games last season. However, it was Rose’s comments that put him in the fire before he missed any games. Rose, as honest as ever, told the media that he wanted to sit out games so he’d be healthy to attend his son’s graduation when he’s older. Rose had an amazing game winning three-pointer in Game 3 against the Cavaliers. With the emergence of Jimmy Butler, the Bulls had a their shot of going up 3-1 against the Cavaliers but missed their opportunity. However, Rose did leave the fans the playoffs once again with hope for next season.
Rose’s averages: 17.7 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.2 RPG.
