Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 NBA reunions that need to happen

By Holden Walter-Warner

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 25: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center on March 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 99-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 25: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center on March 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 99-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Derrick Rose  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Derrick Rose  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Derrick Rose to Chicago

Derrick Rose left it all out on the court for the Chicago Bulls, until his body simply wouldn’t let him anymore. It’s astounding his career is still going on considering everything he’s been through and there would be no better place to end it than in Chicago.

Rose was born and raised in Chicago, a prodigal son of the Windy City who attended Simeon Career Academy. While he had the opportunity to stay home and attend Illinois, he played his college ball under John Calipari for a year at Memphis.

It was a homecoming when the Bulls selected Rose first in the 2008 NBA Draft. The guard rewarded the franchise’s faith immediately, winning Rookie of the Year and becoming a three-time All-Star shortly thereafter, capped by an MVP campaign in 2010-11.

Then, Game 1 of the playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012. The left knee ACL tear. A whole season missed. A return to the court in October 2013 after a year away, only for a season-ending meniscus tear to happen a month later.

Injuries would derail the rest of Rose’s time in Chicago and in a major way, the rest of his career. Rose was dealt to the New York Knicks in 2016, then bounced around to Cleveland, Minnesota, and Detroit before returning to the Knicks at the 2021 trade deadline and signing a three-year, $43 million extension with the team after the season.

The 34-year-old Rose is on the back nine of his career, but he does have another season left on his contract, so he’s expected to at least have another season in him. Could it happen in Chicago, rather than New York?

Every time Rose returns to Chicago, he’s treated as a god, which he clearly appreciates. There are rumors the Knicks are looking to move the guard and getting him back to Chicago would be quite the rosy ending to his playing story.

Home/Charlotte Hornets