ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell got some face time with Chicago’s newest All-Star. Some of his answers are classic Derrick Rose. I know using the word “classic” when describing Rose might seem a little silly, given that he’s been in the Association only a year and a half. But Rose has oozed humility from Day 1. Simply put, he’s not your typical NBA player. Rose seems to be, by all indications, a humble person who truly appreciates where he’s at.
For instance, here’s what he said in response to being asked how it feels to be the Bulls’ first All-Star since MJ: “It’s cool. (Smiles) It’s cool. After I’m long and gone with the Bulls [players] after me or whatever, people will say that I was an All Star for the Chicago Bulls. I’m from Chicago. That’s a big thing.”
Another thing people are going to be saying after Rose is “long and gone” is how very lucky the Bulls organization was on that fateful day they won the 2008 NBA Draft lottery. Rose started the year off slowly because of an ankle injury, and many people — myself included — temporarily forgot what a special player he is. Well, Rose has spent the last month or so reminding us and serving notice to the rest of the league that Bulls opponents are going to be seeing this kid in their nightmares for years to come.
Here’s video of Friedell’s interview: