May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Rose
Team: Chicago Bulls
Overrated Since: Ever since he was gift-wrapped an NBA MVP award because writers didn’t want to give it to LeBron James
2014-15 stats: 17.7 points, 4.9 assists
When you think about the Chicago Bulls, you probably still think Derrick Rose. However, the truth is that Rose is three full seasons removed from being an integral part of the Chicago Bulls. He’s missed more games than he’s played over the last three seasons and, even in the games that he has played in, hasn’t looked anything like his former MVP self.
The Bulls relied on a more defensive philosophy since the unfortunate fall of Derrick Rose, behind their stacked frontline of Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and now Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
Jimmy Butler‘s emergence to the NBA scene this past season has even made Rose somewhat expendable. However, we know that isn’t going to happen. No one is trading for Rose, with his $40-plus million he’s due over the next two seasons, right now.
Rose is a big name who used to have big game. Some believe he’ll be able to regain some of that magic – he’s only 27 years old. But that ship has sailed. His story will go down as one of the most unfortunate ones in NBA history. He had so much promise before the injury bug hit him.
Next: Tough As Klay