Derrick Rose, a former star for the Chicago Bulls, officially retired from the NBA ahead of the 2024-25 season, concluding a career marked by brilliance and struggle. Rose, who became the youngest MVP in league history at just 22 years old in 2011, played a total of 723 games across several teams, including the Bulls, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies. His career averages stand at 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. With three All-Star selections and the 2009 Rookie of the Year award, his legacy in Chicago remains significant.

In a recent interview, Rose revealed that while many might assume Michael Jordan would be his G.O.A.T., he actually considers Isiah Thomas, another Chicago native, as his greatest of all time. He praised Thomas's ability to defeat legendary players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in their primes, echoing the pride many locals feel for their hometown heroes. This candid remark adds a layer to Rose's narrative, highlighting his genuine admiration for Thomas's contributions to basketball.