At 31 years of age, Derrick Rose is doing more than just hanging on to his NBA career, averaging 16.7 points and 5.9 assists per game for the Detroit Pistons.
Rose, a former MVP, says he won’t be the last of his kind.
D-Rose is determined to ensure his legacy is that of a legend who created a “blueprint for the next guy.”
Per The Boston Globe:
“I take it as a challenge and I always say like Kobe [Bryant], he was the one that was able to adapt to every generation, and I’m trying to be that player,” Rose said. “He won championships. We’re not the same player at all, but, as far as the guy that’s in my lane, I feel like for what I went through, every time I step on the floor, I’m making history. Good game. Bad game. Whatever it is. I’m not going to be the last Derrick Rose — a player who went through multiple injuries, was at the top of his game, I’m not going to be the last one.”
Rose said he doesn’t want his son to pursue basketball. The life has been tough at times on the old man. But he won’t stop him. He just wants him to be more prepared for the harsh realities of professional sports.
“My son, I don’t want him to hoop, but he’s getting the itch for it right now. If he wants to hoop, then it’s cool to hoop, but I’m not going to be that dad where if he don’t see he’s talented like I was then we’re going to focus this energy in another direction. I’m going to be that dad. He’s not going to hold on to dreams that’s not like reachable.”
That’s Rose’s biggest hope, that all of this work, pain, disappointment, and sacrifice will result in something other than buckets in meaningless games.
“[Former teammate Drew Gooden said], ‘Man, you’re going to be like [Jason] Kidd, play 16 or 17 years. Because you’re changing the game and being effective,’ ” Rose said. “That meant a lot to me, just hearing him say that. I’m doing something right and just knowing I’ll never be the last one so I’ve got to create a blueprint for the next guy, like man you can get through it, you’ve just got to change your mentality and your perspective.”
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