“We all start getting emotional.” That’s how a former teammate defined Derrick Rose and his contributions. But it was not about retirement at that point, it was about a game that turned out to be emotional. Similar to how D-Rose dropped the retirement news and made fans, his teammates, and rivals emotional. Many of them even celebrated Rose’s 16-year NBA tenure in their own way. Similarly, former teammate Jeff Teague spoke about his time with Rose in Minnesota.

“The ultimate one was when D Rose had 50 when I played in Minnesota.” And why might the night be emotional, Jeff Teague explained on his podcast, earlier this year. “Before the game, D-Rose was like, ‘Man, you playin tonight?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, prolly not’, And my foot was really hurtin’ I could not play. D-Rose was like, ‘Don’t worry about it, I’m going for it.’ I said, ‘Goin for what’? He like, ’50. I’m getting 50 tonight.‘”

Yes, Derrick Rose scored 50 points in the game but had only 16 in the first half. During the third quarter, he picked it up and produced a locked performance and added 19 points. He rounded the fourth quarter with 15 more points to make a grand statement because he looked like he was back in the 2010-11 MVP era.

The 50-point game was his career high and helped the Wolves beat the Jazz 128-125 on Halloween in 2018. It was also his highest since the 44 he scored on May 6, 2011. Talking about the lost scoring touch, it was the first time since 2011 that Derrick Rose scored more than 40 points. It was also the first time Rose scored at least 30 points since January 18, 2017.

It was a tough season before that breakthrough performance for Derrick Rose. During the 2017-18 season, he barely played, struggling with ankle injuries and consistency issues. Everyone thought it was the end of Rose’s career, just like his previous spell with the Cavaliers. But he came back in the following season, playing 51 games and scoring an average of 18.0 points. That’s why many legends were quick to honor his legacy.

Derrick Rose gets his flowers from his peers

Following Rose’s retirement announcement, Kevin Garnett shared on his IG story, “Wanna shout out D-Rose man, great career brother. It was honor to share the floor with you bro, you one of the greatest to do it man. Just want to say big up on a 16-year career man, You sh*t.” The last words were not a diss but in fact a way of expressing that Derrick Rose is the real deal. KG also captioned his IG story, “@Drose Salute General 🫡💯.” 

He also shared a clip from his podcast, where co-host Paul Pierce was appreciative of Rose’s contribution.” I ain’t never seen a point guard that athletic, though. When he did, one of the game, he did the dunk on the breakaway. He rocked it and cradled it and then dunked it. I was like, ‘Whoa, point guards is doing that now?'” That’s why Derrick Rose managed to win the 2010-11 MVP award, and became the youngest winner ever.

The person he beat in the race, and later who became his teammate, LeBron James, shared multiple stories. “Much love and respect Pooh!!! Salute 🫡”, in the captions. In three more separate stories, he added three individual captions. “FOREVER” “IMMORTALIZED” and the GOAT emoji “. And another Cleveland teammate and Chicago’s own Dwyane Wade too shared his emotions. “One of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen. Appreciate everything you brought to the game, DRose 🫡👑”

Even with Derrick Rose, he had full-page ads in the local newspapers of the six NBA cities he played in. Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Memphis, and thanked each fan base. That’s how much the game meant for him. That’s why legends, rivals, and former teammates have nothing but respect for the Windy City Assassin.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”