Derrick Rose, the once first overall pick of the 2008 draft, is ready for a change. It's been two months since he was traded from his hometown of Chicago to the New York Knicks, and he's looking to make the best out of his opportunity.
Dealing with change
Rose started his career as one of the most fascinating players to watch of his generation — fast up and down the court, cat-like quickness, aggressive offensively, and ultimately fearless. Couple that with a freakishly athletic body, and the NBA had a player unlike anyone we had seen since the Jordan era.
Unfortunately, his career was derailed by numerous knee surgeries, complications, and his never-ending struggle to regain the form that once saw him as the youngest MVP of the league.
Despite his efforts, the Chicago native was never quite the same. While showing flashes of brilliance, he remained a shadow of his old self; not quite as explosive, not quite as fearless, not quite the Derrick Rose the fans longed to see.
The trade gave Rose an uneasy feeling, partly feeling let down by the city that once embraced him as a son:
“I couldn’t believe it. I was kind of hurt at first, of course, coming from my hometown and moving, period,” Rose told Nick DePaula of The Vertical. “Being away from my kids and away my family, that’s going to get to you, no matter who you are. You’re going to be emotional about it.”
A new chapter
While he's spent his first eight years in Chicago, a fresh start could be just what Rose needs.
With a new environment that possesses bonafide scorer in Carmelo Anthony, a familiar face in new signee Joakim Noah, and a star in the making in Kristaps Porzingis, Rose could slowly acclimate to his surroundings and ease himself into the starting unit:
“I feel like I’m not done,” said Rose. “It’s a new start. I feel rejuvenated, and when you put all that together, when I step on the floor, I really don’t know what to expect.”
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