Derrick Rose's Top 7 Career Plays

As a fan of the NBA, the 2012 NBA Finals have been a joy to watch. As a fan of the Chicago Bulls, there is an overwhelming sense of disappointment in knowing the Bulls may have lost out on a golden opportunity to win an NBA championship.

There are no guarantees that the Bulls would have made it this far, but when Derrick Rose went down with a torn ACL, it deprived Bulls' fans of any real chance they had of seeing their team play in the finals.

With Rose likely missing most of the 2012-2013 season, Bulls' fans find themselves with very little to cheer for in the coming year. It could be a long time coming before Rose plays at an MVP-caliber level once again. And when he does, it's possible he won't be the attacking, above-the-rim player he was pre-injury.

With the present unable to satisfy expectations and a lack of clarity as to what the future holds, now would seem a good time for Bulls fans to look to the past and relive Rose's greatest plays.

Here are Rose's top 7 career plays.

Honorable Mention

Here are some of Rose's best plays that didn't quite make the list:

Breakaway double-pump slam versus the Sacramento Kings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiU_Hgo-xvA&feature=g-vrec

Three pointer to send game into overtime versus the Houston Rockets:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V-zqQ8Zio8

Block on Rajon Rondo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RQljcjRIHk

7.) Alley-Oop Versus Pistons

Derrick Rose is 6'3''. Ronnie Brewer seems to forget this and throws the ball up much higher than one would for an alley-oop to a point guard. Lucky for him Rose elevates, continues to rise, grabs the ball well above the rim, and slams it home on the way down.

Players this size shouldn't be able to jump so high that their elbow is nearly equal with the rim. That Rose can is a testament to his explosiveness.

6.) Game Winning Shot Versus Lakers

With nearly two months of basketball lost due to the 2011 lockout, basketball on Christmas was the perfect gift for NBA fans. The day was even sweeter for Bulls' fans as Rose hit a floater in the lane with 4.8 seconds left to secure an opening day win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Rose had struggled to close out games in the 2011 playoffs, so hitting this shot showed us all that he is fully capable of being a closer.

5.) Breaks Andre Miller's Ankles

NBA players can jump higher and run faster than you and me, that much is obvious. But another aspect of what makes them the best athletes in the world is their supernatural coordination and agility. So, Andre Miller breaking his ankles is not supposed to happen.

Miller is a pretty savvy NBA veteran, for him to have his ankles broken by Rose shows how much quicker and faster Rose can be compared with other players.

4.) Breakaway Windmill Dunk Versus Boston Celtics

Sometimes I wonder what type of plays Rose would make if he were a 6'7'' wing. Then I watch this play and realize that it doesn't matter—he can already throw down some of the best dunks in the NBA.

3.) Buzzer Beater Versus Bucks

This was the first buzzer beater of Rose's career. One of the best things about watching Rose is seeing him grow as a player and do things he once couldn't.

This is a shot he doesn't make his first couple years in the league. Here he elevates and follows through with confidence. Splash. Bulls win.

2.) Dunk on Dragic

The reaction of Stacey King, the Bulls' play-by-play man, is nearly as good as the dunk. I agree with King: No idea what Dragic is attempting to do on this play.

Rose and Dragic jump at the same time. Unfortunately for Dragic he doesn't get up as high or as quickly as Rose. Rose elevates above the rim, while Dragic barely elevates up to Rose's shoulder. The result is a poster hanging on the wall of every kid's bedroom in Chicago.

1.) Dunk over Oden

Every part of Derrick Rose's athletic ability is on display here. He uses his quickness to blow-by his defender. His jumping ability to elevate. His explosiveness to get up faster and higher than Oden. And finally his body control to slither his body—while in the air—past Oden, avoiding the block, and finally slamming it home.

It's an unbelievable play and the type I hope Rose is able to recreate in the coming years.