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Chris Paul salutes ex-Bulls superstar Derrick Rose for staying resilient throughout injury-riddled career
Everything was inclined to a fairy tale story for Derrick Rose in Chicago until his body let him down. Upon being hailed as the league's youngest MVP and mustering the Bulls toward the Eastern Conference Finals stage last 2010-11, Rose obtained critical praise and consideration that he'll become the NBA’s next big thing.
But the following season, his entire world spiraled down after tearing his ACL in the playoffs, which subsequently barred him from a significant time of play in the Bulls. The said devastating injury served as the root cause of Rose’s eventual downfall – from being a basketball superstar to now a limited role player as he went on to endure more unexpected injuries and numerous surgeries in his career after 2012.
His tragic story continues to receive sympathies from many, not only for the Bulls fans but also for the entire Association. But over anything else, Rose’s response, resilience, and determination to continue pushing his basketball play amid depressing strings of injuries have been nothing but inspirational — most especially for Chris Paul.
Flowers of appreciation
In his recent appearance on the Point Forward podcast, Paul revealed a story wherein he handed his utmost appreciation to Rose’s unwavering resilience.
Paul’s toughness got tested when he fought unavailability concerns throughout his illustrious career. Upon realization, he went on to admire Rose even more for being able to withstand the general negative toll caused by his ravaging injuries.
“When I was in Houston, I got a chance to talk to him for a little bit and just told him how much I appreciate him as a hooper because I’ve had injuries over my career, I know how it affects you mentally and how it challenges you. Me and D Rose, I don’t know him like that, but I’m one of his biggest fans because I watch him hoop now, and I just see it’s nothing like your body letting you do what you know you can do,” he said.
All love and support
The franchise's past chapter with Rose is undeniably a heartbreaker for the Chicago Bulls fans. Nevertheless, they couldn’t be more proud and happy supporting the former league MVP who continues to weather through the storm and still be productive at age 35 as a current member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the end, the Windy City is looking forward to that day when their beloved hometown kid will come home once again and celebrate their unbreakable bond.
