Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose Putting Himself First

Derrick Rose may still value the game of basketball and even the Chicago Bulls, but above all else, he comes first.

The mindset around town changed drastically when the Chicago Bulls drafted guard Derrick Rose in 2008. Coming in at the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft that year, the then 19-year-old gave Chicagoans a feeling of hope that they had not felt in a long time.

Having played at Simeon Career Academy, he entered his senior year as Sports Illustrated’s fifth-best prospect in the nation and was then named Illinois Mr. Basketball, as well as to the McDonald’s All-American team. He then went on to play for the University of Memphis, declaring for the NBA Draft after just one year. He was living and breathing basketball.

Upon entering the league, Rose was quiet and humble. He kept his head down and focused on being the best he could be. And it paid off, as he ended up winning Rookie of the Year, playing in his first NBA All-Star Game and propelling the Bulls to the playoffs. As much as fans were eating it up, Rose only threw himself deeper into the game.

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His confidence did grow though, and he became more outspoken, no longer wary of the media. In perhaps one of his most famous press conferences, Rose publicly declared his goal of winning Most Valuable Player of the Year.

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And he did just that. Rose was named MVP in 2010-11, bringing perhaps the entire city and supporters around the league to their knees.

But then Rose himself was brought down to his. Literally.

And as he battled setbacks and additional injuries alike, he started to change.

Many thought he took longer than necessary to return. He looked sullen and uninterested on the bench during games. He no longer felt the need to filter himself in interviews. In essence, he went from the hometown hero to a complete question mark. The media and fans alike did not know what to make of Rose 2.0.

But now, things are becoming clearer. And the question of what is currently important to Rose, has without a doubt been answered.

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After dealing with the likes of several knee, ankle, and hamstring problems (just to name a few …), it seems Rose no longer strives to be a better player. His priority is not the organization. He does not want to be a role model. He just wants to … survive.

Would Rose love a championship? Of course. Does he want to be looked at as one of the best to ever play this game? Yes. Is he interested in changing his narrative back to a positive one? Perhaps. But none of these things are nearly as important to Rose right now, as simply getting ahead.

It does not matter that the so-called face of the franchise is no longer playing like a superstar. He wants to be paid like one.

It also does not matter that Chicagoans have turned against him. He (says) he wants to retire here.

And lately, it does not seem to matter that Rose is not a doctor. He wants to act like one. Specifically, taking himself out of the action for the last three games in a row, due to hamstring tendinitis.

The old Rose has been gone for a while now. And although it was unclear what direction post-injury Rose was headed, at least with the unknown came hope. However, at this point, there is no mistake to be made: for Rose, Rose comes first.

And whether you can blame him, after all that he is been through, is debatable.

But does this really matter? Well, yes and no.

While no one likes this new version of Rose, no one would also be complaining if his on-court performance was not suffering. Talking about zeroing in on your next payday above all is deserving of an eyeroll, sure. But if you are proving your worth, no one can take your talent away from you.

The problem is, it is not just Rose’s choice words suggesting that the game of basketball itself is an afterthought, it is also his inconsistent play.

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Could it be possible that Rose is going through a phrase? Or that he is nervous he will not show valuable, as a free agent? Sure. But in the meantime, unfortunately his story is getting old.