As Derrick Rose turned back the clock on Halloween night, he reminded the NBA who he is
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard looked like the Derrick Rose of old this past Wednesday. Halloween night saw the NBA veteran score 50 points in a 128-125 victory against the Utah Jazz.
After a devastating series of injuries from a torn ACL to meniscus, Derrick Rose went from the youngest MVP in league history to one of the biggest “What ifs” in all of sports. A trade from his hometown Chicago Bulls to New York, which renounced his rights a year later, landed him with a league minimum contract with Cleveland.
After a disappointing start to the season, Rose was one of several player shipped off to multiple teams at the trade deadline last February, yet was waived by the Utah Jazz only two days later. It was particularly fitting that this performance came against the last team to lose faith in Rose.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
The emotion he showed in his postgame interview is reminiscent of everything Rose has went through over his up-and-down career.
On Wednesday night, Derrick showed flashes of the ball-handling, playmaking, and explosiveness that made him a superstar years ago.
Despite the unfortunate injury history of his career, Rose’s character has never been questioned. Countless faces around the NBA chimed in on twitter, congratulating the Chicago Native for his spectacular night.
Former teammate J.R. Smith noted:
"“I’m so proud of you bro! No one knows you’re struggle what you went through day in an day out! You are truly inspiration to everyone! Super proud to have had you as a teammate! Keep going”"
While Hall of Famer Reggie Miller said:
"“This is what makes sports GREAT. The genuine and appreciation Derrick Rose teammates have for him is fantastic. Happy for this young man.”"
There is no question he has faced significant physical barriers due to injuries and off the court adversity, but Derrick Rose has inspired many and become an icon for what one can achieve through perseverance and determination, embodied by this career-high 50 point night.