“Love These”: Kevin Garnett Reveals Appreciation for Derrick Rose’s Stories on MVP Campaign

“Why can’t I be the best player in the league?” Derrick Rose asked this in 2010, just 21 years old and fresh into the NBA. At the time, it sounded bold, maybe too bold. The league was stacked with superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Most people didn’t think much of it, but Derrick had other plans. The very next season, in 2011, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history. That season, his performance was so mesmerizing that even now a decade later, NBA legend Kevin Garnett reflects on how special Rose’s game was that year.

In a recent episode of Out The Mud Podcast, Derrick Rose opened up about his time with the Bulls, specifically his MVP season. He straight-up said, “Nah, that MVP season came from me realizing that I could win that sh-t after my second year.”

During that season, Derrick recognized what he needed to fix and locked in on it. “I’mma work on my jump shot,” he said, calling out exactly what he knew would take his game to new heights.

After watching the episode, Kevin Garnett, one of five players to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, shared the clip on his Instagram. The respect was clear. Garnett posted a message showing love for Derrick: “😤😤😤🫡🫡🫡💯 love these stories 🫡💯.” KG has always respected Derrick’s game, and this moment proves it.

In the 2010-11 season, Derrick Rose backed up his boldness with sheer brilliance. He averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 81 games, earning his second All-Star nod. At just 22, he became the youngest MVP in NBA history, leading the Bulls to an NBA-best 62-20 record. He was on fire that season!

His recognition shows just how much Derrick’s journey has impacted the league. But do you recall how fate took a sudden turn for Rose?

Derrick Rose and his battle with injuries

Derrick Rose’s career was shaped by a series of brutal injuries. A torn ACL in his left knee in 2012 was just the beginning. The following years brought more pain, meniscus tears in his right knee in 2013 and 2015, and another in his left knee in 2017. These injuries drained Derrick of the explosiveness that once made him a superstar and shifted the direction of his career. 

But he never gave up. After all the setbacks, he still found ways to shine. In 2018, he delivered one of the most emotional moments of his career, a 50-point game with the Minnesota Timberwolves that had fans cheering and teammates in awe. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in the Knicks’ unexpected playoff run, earning a third-place finish in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Though his career didn’t have the consistent dominance of legends like LeBron James or Shaquille O’Neal. But still, Derrick’s story was unforgettable. For a few years, and even in brief flashes afterward, his skills left fans speechless. The journey was unique, filled with jaw-dropping highs and heartbreaking lows. But it’s a moment that will stick with everyone who witnessed it.