NBA legend Derrick Rose last played during the 2023–24 season before officially announcing his retirement from professional basketball in September 2024.
Despite leaving behind a memorable legacy, Rose recently admitted that he believes there may come a time when fans no longer remember him, his career, or everything he accomplished in the NBA. However, the 37-year-old’s emotional reflection on his legacy sparked a strong reaction from basketball fans who clearly do not agree with his assessment.
NBA Fans Push Back on Derrick Rose’s Emotional Admission
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Rose opened up about how he wants to be remembered and acknowledged that, despite everything he achieved throughout his career, he does not expect his name to remain familiar to future generations.
“That I played hard. That I was a winner”, Rose said. “To be honest, the way my story has unfolded, in a few years they probably won’t remember me anymore.”
“So, it’s going to be the kid that actually do his due diligence that look up my story to find out my story,” Rose continued.
“Because it’s a lot of players that don’t know Wilt Chamberlain and he broke a lot of records and got all the awards and accolades, but these kids today don’t know who he is or they don’t know Bill Russell… So, who am I to say that they going to remember me? They probably don’t. But the kid that do, I hope it’s not by coincidence.”
However, NBA fans clearly were not convinced by Rose’s heartfelt admission, and the comment section filled with messages from fans insisting that his impact on basketball will not simply disappear.
“My first favorite player and the reason I got into basketball I’ll never forget u Goat,” one user commented.
“We’ll never forget you goat,” a Rose fan added.
We’ll never forget you goat https://t.co/V430P2PYef
— Javi ⁶𓅓 (@Javi_knowsball) September 6, 2026
“Now why on earth would he think that? He’s probably 1a or 1b on the player who could’ve been him had it not been for injuries list. He and Brandon Roy. Honorable mention for Greg Oden,” one fan wrote.
Now why on earth would he think that? He’s probably 1a or 1b on the player who could’ve been him had it not been for injuries list. He and Brandon Roy. Honorable mention for Greg Oden.
— Reuben (@major_bux) September 6, 2026
“He inspired a decades worth of hoopers, ur not gonna be elite ball knowledge anytime soon,” a user wrote.
“Will be remembered similar to Bernard King, real fans know,” a fan chimed in.
“I will always remember one of my favorite PGs,” one user remarked.
I will always remember one of my favorite PGs. https://t.co/lxhnANUBDw
— Nate Baker ❤️ 💛 (@Nathanlovesnba) September 6, 2026
Rose entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick of the Chicago Bulls, the team from his hometown, and immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. He captured the NBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds across 81 games.
On May 3, 2011, Rose reached the pinnacle of his career when he was named the MVP at just 22, becoming the youngest player in league history to win the prestigious award.
However, a devastating torn ACL suffered during the 2012 NBA Playoffs changed the trajectory of Rose’s career. From that point forward, the former MVP endured a difficult cycle of injuries, surgeries, and lengthy rehabilitation periods as he repeatedly fought to return to the court.
Beyond his time with the Bulls, Rose also played for the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies.
But the injuries prevented him from reaching the heights many expected early in his career, as the NBA legend retired with a résumé that includes three All-Star selections, one All-NBA selection, and two FIBA World Cup gold medals with Team USA.
