Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Rose has undergone six surgeries since becoming the youngest NBA MVP in 2011, but he's still playing the game at a high-level.
Rose has had four knee surgeries — two on each knee — one eye procedure and surgery on his right elbow. Most players probably would have retired if they were in Rose’s position considering Derrick already has generational money.
However, Rose is still playing in the NBA, and the former MVP says his mom and kids are the reason why:
Article Continues Below“It’s about just knowing where I come from,” Rose told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “Knowing for one, my history, knowing my ancestors, knowing what they had to fight to get through for the ones that made it over here.
“Knowing what my mom and my family members before her had to endure and knowing that I don’t want my kids to have any excuses when they get older. Of course they’re going to be good financially, privileged, but I don’t want them to come in and dwell over something or with their head down thinking something is too hard. My perspective can help the way they look at certain things.”
Derrick Rose contemplated retirement during the 2017-18 season when he was on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former MVP left the team for a little bit, as he was dealing with a serious ankle injury.
Rose, however, fought through the adversity because he didn’t want to set a bad example for his kids. D-Rose wants to show his kids that you never give up in life no matter how bad things get.
Last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rose showed the entire world that hard work pays off. He averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists and had that career-high 50-point game against the Utah Jazz on Halloween.
This season with the Pistons, Rose is averaging 16.7 points and 5.9 assists. Rose's story is all about perseverance and a lot of basketball players can learn from him.