A once breathtaking player in our very own city of Chicago, Derrick Rose has met a new all time low since becoming the youngest Most Valuable Player in the NBA at the age of 22. Derrick Rose is currently a free agent midway through the season. Derrick Rose signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the start of this season. He looked promising to start, averaging 14 points in limited minutes during the preseason. Then, just three games into the season, a bone spur was located in his ankle, forcing him to sit out 20 games. He was not able to bring himself back into the lineup, even as the Cavaliers lost more games. Eventually, Rose was traded to the Utah Jazz, but they immediately waived him. Now, conversations about any team looking to sign him seem unrealistic. He is team-less. His fan base has dropped dramatically in size. Christion Rice ‘18 says, “I really believed in Derrick Rose after his first few surgeries while he still played in Chicago, but now it’s just painful to watch him try to play in a league that he is no longer suited for. He has the body of a 40 year old. He might as well give up.” Still, Rose continues to work out alone at the gym in Cleveland. Gabriel Regalado ‘19 says, “It is really inspiring to see a man keep fighting after 6 surgeries to stay in the NBA. A lot of other players would have given up by now.” Even though Derrick Rose no longer plays in Chicago and is not who he used to be, he deserves respect for his willpower. He never gives up even when things get as bad as they are for him right now. When asked what he still thinks about Derrick Rose, Esme McCarthy ‘20 said, “I am still a Derrick Rose fan and I will remain one. I only watch NBA games that he plays in. Any other minute of a game is irrelevant for me. He’s only 29. He still has a lot of gas in the tank.” Good luck on your return, Derrick Rose.

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