“One of the most explosive players ever”: LeBron James pays tribute to Derrick Rose

Former NBA superstar Derrick Rose remains one of basketball’s most iconic figures—not only for becoming the youngest MVP in league history in 2011 but also for redefining the point guard position with his unmatched athleticism and explosiveness.

At his peak, Rose was arguably the most dynamic athlete in the NBA, capable of finishing over towering defenders, contorting around rim protectors, and attacking the basket with a level of fearlessness rarely seen. His improved perimeter shooting further elevated his game, and many believe that if not for injuries, he was destined for all-time great status.

Among those who witnessed Rose’s dominance firsthand is LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. During James’ years with the Miami Heat, the Bulls—led by Rose—were their most consistent rivals in the Eastern Conference. And to this day, LeBron remains one of Rose’s biggest admirers.

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In the latest episode of his podcast, Mind the Game, with fellow NBA legend Steve Nash, LeBron paid tribute to Rose’s greatness, calling him one of the most explosive and competitive players he has ever faced.

“I hope dearly people have not forgotten about Derrick Rose. One of the most explosive players I have ever played. One of the most competitive players I have ever played. Injuries suck. They really do. He is one of those examples. We have a lot of examples in our sport over the years since this game has been introduced. But the battles I had against DRose when I was in Miami, and when I went back to Cleveland, the guy, I mean he is the youngest MVP in our league’s history,” LeBron said.

.@KingJames is here to remind everyone… @drose was undeniable. pic.twitter.com/QQFNdGfUIG

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) December 9, 2025

James continued his admiration for Rose both as a player and an icon in Chicago:

“What he meant for the Chicago Bulls, he meant even more for the city of Chicago. He is a legend. He is a great. We all love Derrick Rose. If you ever played basketball, have ever been part of our league, there is not one bad thing people can say about Derrick Rose. He is an unbelievable competitor.”

Rose, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2009 and earning three consecutive All-Star selections. In 2011, at just 22, he won the league’s MVP award behind averages of 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, beating out Dwight Howard, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

But his ascent was halted by a series of devastating injuries. Rose tore his left ACL during the 2012 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing him to miss the entire 2012–13 season. Additional knee injuries limited him to just 10 games the following year, ultimately altering the trajectory of his once-historic rise.

After eight seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2016, beginning a journeyman chapter that took him across several teams. Continued injuries prevented him from sustaining long stretches of play, and he eventually requested a waiver from the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2024–25 season, signaling his intent to retire.

Rose ends his career with averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 723 games, starting 518 of them. In his final 12 seasons, he exceeded 60 games played only twice—a testament to the physical toll of his injuries.

Even so, his legacy remains intact. At his best, Derrick Rose was a generational athlete who redefined explosiveness at the point guard position. Though injuries diminished his signature burst, his influence on the game—and on an entire generation of fans—remains undeniable.

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