Derrick Rose: Chicago's Next Legend in Making

While watching Derrick Rose's press conference, I felt something for the 2011 MVP.

Usually it’s appreciation, or something more like envy of the 23-year-old point guard, who over three years has been awarded Rookie of the Year, MVP and now the ultimate superstar status: max contract player (five years for $94.80 million dollars).

But no, this was not jealousy I felt.  I mean it is hard to ignore that we both are around the same age and approximate height.  I also dislike public speaking.  Why can’t I defy gravity, launch skyward and (with two hands behind my head) tomahawk the ball through the rim?  Life just isn't fair.   

Anyway, this wasn't the usual feeling of desire.  I actually felt bad for him.

In a one-on-one interview with Gail Fischer, Rose said “Everything went right in my life…high school, college till now.  And me now signing with the Bulls.”

Rose has been coached a lot in his life.  His life has been specifically focused since childhood.  First by his three older brothers, who helped mold Rose’s unique style on the brutal street-ball courts of Englewood, Chicago.

His brothers acted as a shield, protecting Rose from the harsh environment in which they lived.  

After someone noticed he belonged in a jersey, there has been a long line of coaches and trainers that have helped shape the young MVP into the man he is today.

Recently, the media has compared Rose to his “airness” Michael Jordan.  Both were unlike other players because of their unparalleled dedication to improvement.  It’s not about the money or the fame but about proving that you are the best, and not just by a little.  It’s about training, diet and attitude.  It is the reason that, when we see him behind a microphone in nice clothes, he often seems awkward and impartial to answering questions.

It’s because he gives his whole self to the game, sacrificing his body and mind for a sport that has been ingrained by his coaches, friends and family to be the ultimate stage, the end-all and be-all in life—the way out of poverty.

Rose has been trying to please others all his life.  He has succeeded, but he does not do it for himself.  During his MVP speech, he broke down about his mother.

After an emotional pause he looked at her and said:

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“Brenda Rose.  My heart.  The reason I play the way that I play.  Everything.”

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During the 2008 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls front office was debating whether to use their first pick on Rose or a big man in Michael Beasley.  Other than multiple championship contentions, the Bulls would have missed out on a rare human being, someone who puts others before himself.  They would have missed out on a champion.