Derrick Rose's Rookie Year Was About More Than Just Numbers
The Chicago Bulls' guard broke numerous barriers during his first year in the NBA
The world got to witness Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren live up to their rookie expectations. They put together so many extraordinary performances that some have dubbed them two of the greatest rookies of all-time. But while they were turning in eye-popping numbers this season, pundits might have began feeling nostalgic, reminiscing on historic rookie campaigns.
Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are just a few players who had a special beginning year. But one player who doesn’t seem to get the recognition he deserves is Derrick Rose.
Prior to injuries taking over his career, Rose had a tremendous first four years with the Chicago Bulls, starting in his first year. He was drafted by Chicago in 2008 as the first overall pick and made an immediate impact. Throughout the first 10 games of the 2008-09 season, he averaged 18.9 points, scoring double-figure points in each one. He became the Bulls’ first drafted player since Jordan to have 10 or more points in his first 10 games.
However, that was just a preview of what was to come during the rest of his young season as he continued to impress fans.
Rose started collecting awards right away. He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in both November and December. In November, he put up 18.9 points and 6.1 assists a game while averaging 16.3 points and 6.2 assists in December.
Now, he wasn’t named an All-Star but he was still a highlight player that weekend. During the break, he participated in and won the Skills Challenge, becoming the first rookie in history to do so. Before the season ended, he won another Rookie of the Month award in March as he averaged 16.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
When the playoffs approached, Rose never let up. In fact, his first game was better than any other of the regular season numbers-wise.
During Game 1 of the first round against the Boston Celtics, he dropped 36 points and 11 assists, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points scored in a rookie’s playoff debut. He also became the first player since Chris Paul to have 35-plus points and 10-plus assists in a playoff debut. Despite the Celtics winning the series in seven games, Rose finished with averages of 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
Of course, he was rewarded for his performances that season as he won Rookie of the Year honors. He became the first number-one draft pick since James to win the award, as well as the first Bulls player since Jordan and Elton Brand.
Obviously, Rose isn’t anywhere near the player he once was but his rookie year is always something great for him to look back on.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Fansided’s Wiz of Awes. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson