Derrick Rose: What Every NBA Player Can Learn from Bulls MVP

Derrick Rose got an early Christmas gift from the Chicago Bulls.  They signed him to a five-year deal worth a total of $94 million.

Yep, you read that right.  Last year's MVP is now making $18.8 million a year, which averages out to around $284,848.48 per game for the shortened 66 game 2011-12 NBA season. 

That is a ridiculous amount of money, but Rose is more than worth it.

Sure, Rose brings freakish athleticism, strength and speed to the court every night.  Sure, Rose plays the point guard position like he's a power forward.  Sure, Rose plays every game like it's his last, and shows up when his team needs him (ahem, LeBron James).

What is more important than all of that is the integrity, character and humility that defines who Rose is, and those are things that most NBA players can learn from Rose.

Some may say that Rose is just soft-spoken, but I think he is much more than that.  Rose knows that his words are meaningless unless he backs them up when he takes the court and that is what leadership is all about.

After receiving his massive contract extension, Rose didn't respond by guaranteeing a number of championships or MVP trophies, he humbly talked about how important it is for him to finish his career with the Chicago Bulls.  Rose exemplifies loyalty, something that is hard to find in the NBA as of late.

I know that's easy to do when you just signed a bazillion-dollar contract, but with Rose it's clear that it isn't about money for him.  

When asked about the money, Rose had this to say, "I never would have thought in a million years that I would have signed a contract like this, especially coming from an area where I'm from. No one from Englewood has ever been in my position so sometimes I think, 'Why me?'"

In a league that is defined by the mentality of "why not me," it is incredibly refreshing and inspiring to see a player carry himself the way Rose does.  

Rose doesn't need to yell and fight to intimidate players like Kevin Garnett does, his play does that for itself.  Rose doesn't need to proclaim that he will lead the Bulls to eight straight championships like LeBron, because Rose's play makes every other NBA team aware of that possibility every time they play the Bulls.

Most of all, Rose doesn't need to glorify himself like Kobe does, because everyone around him is willing to do that for him.

All Rose needs to do is to play the game the way he does—with integrity and humility—and success will find him, and that is a major lesson NBA players can learn from him.

In a league fueled by big egos and loud mouths, Rose leads with silence—a silence defined by humility that speaks louder than words ever could.

Leadership isn't a word or an ideal, it is a way of living your life and Rose understands that.

NBA rookies and veterans alike can learn a lesson in leadership and humility from Rose.  They can learn that earning the respect of the league can be done with silence, as long as the way you play the game speaks loud and clear.