Michael Jordan was not from Chicago, yet his contributions to the sport made him one of the most revered figures for the ‘Windy City’. Now imagine the love for Derrick Rose who actually grew up in Englewood, Chicago. The point guard made an instant impact in the league, with Rookie of the Year, All-Star inclusion, and even the league MVP in the early years. So no doubt ‘His Airness; was pumped for his beloved franchise and made a bold declaration back in the day.

“You guys are in store for a lot of other championships. You look at this team tonight, don’t be surprised if you’re gonna have six more coming,” Jordan said in a resurfaced clip by a Bulls fan. It was during the 2oth anniversary celebration of the first title win in 1991. At the end of the video, one could find Micahel Jordan and Scottie Pippen hugging each other.

The praise from MJ for the current team was warranted because the team made it to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals with the best record in the league. Also, Pooh was the first player since Michael Jordan to have won an MVP trophy during their stint with the franchise. Derrick Rose also holds the record as the youngest player to win the MVP award. During that season, he averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds during the regular season. While in the playoffs, he averaged 27.1 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.

The 6’3 guard’s ability was so unique early on, that even rival and legend Paul Pierce was astonished. “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 when the 16th-year career came to an end, everybody was numb. D-Rose even sent out full-page ads to the six cities’ local newspapers he had played in, showing his respect for the fans and the franchises. Similarly, he had a lot of respect when he not only met Michael Jordan but visited his place.

Derrick Rose gives flowers to Michael Jordan

“That whole time, I watched him (Jordan) every second while I was there,” The 3x All-Star spoke to ‘NBC Sports’ in 2020. “Watched him the entire time. Watched him be a dad, watched him take out garbage, things I never thought I would be able to see. But I got that opportunity.” So, Derrick Rose got the rare opportunity to watch Michael Jordan up close, which most of the world did not. But his time, when he met MJ was very different.

Then, he was under-confident and was unsure about how his NBA career would turn out. He was friends with Jeffery and Marcus, and they invited the young Rose to their place. “After I met them, after I went to that crib, it (the jinx feeling) went away. F**k that. I’m going to get that lifestyle.”

Michael Jordan proved not only an influential figure on the court but off the court. “I promised myself that night that I was gonna get on a mission. And me seeing that, with MJ giving me that opportunity, it let me manifest my dreams from what I saw.” So, that’s why the celebration in 2011 might have been a personal victory for MJ as he saw the potential of Rose.

“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.”