Recently retired Derrick Rose was one of the biggest supporters of the New York Knicks during their championship run in the recently concluded season.
In an extensive interview Sports Illustrated, the former NBA MVP spoke about the massive success of the Big Apple franchise, while also reflecting on the painful reality of being forgotten by new generations of fans.
Believed in Brunson and the trophy from the very beginning
The former point guard made no secret of his excitement over what the Knicks accomplished under the leadership of Jalen Brunson, with whom he shared a locker room in New York.
“I kind of thought all along that they were going to win. My son is a fan of Jalen Brunson. So he was rooting for them throughout the entire playoffs. I called Rick Brunson right before they reached the finals and told him they were going to play against Victor Wembanyama now. And if they play against them, they will win.”
During his time in New York, Rose built a strong relationship with Brunson before playing his final NBA chapter during the 2023–24 season. He could not hide his joy over the success of his former team and teammate:
“Everything turned out the way it was supposed to, and I am just happy for Jalen. I am happy for his family, like Rick, and for all the time he put into his family and Jalen. I was watching from afar, but it is inspiring.”
Brutally honest about basketball legacy
Later in the conversation, the topic shifted to modern basketball audiences and how Rose himself will be remembered in the sport’s history. Speaking about the younger generation currently following the NBA and the legends who are slowly fading from memory, Rose delivered a powerful and realistic message about his legacy:
“Honestly speaking, given how my story unfolded, in a few years people probably won’t even remember me.”
The moment Derrick Rose's banner was officially retired. pic.twitter.com/ufrMsEaEyY
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 25, 2026
To vividly illustrate his point, he brought up absolute icons of the sport whose names mean little to younger fans today:
“A lot of young people today don’t even know who Wilt Chamberlain is, even though he broke a ton of records and won everything. Some don’t even know about Bill Russell, even though nobody won as much as he did.”
At the very end, Rose offered an emotional yet dignified conclusion:
“So, who am I to think they will remember me? Most probably won’t. But I hope that those who discover my story don’t just stumble upon it by chance.”
