Derrick Rose Claims That Michael Jordan "Wouldn't Have Been MJ Had He Played Anywhere But Chicago" And I Agree With Him.

SI - Derrick Rose is one of the most beloved figures in Chicago Bulls history. Despite that, even Rose isn't immune from bad takes that could upset Chicago Bulls fans. Rose made an appearance on Jeff Teague's Club 520 podcast where he gave a very bizarre take on Michael Jordan. In Rose's eyes, Michael Jordan wouldn't become MJ if he played anywhere else besides Chicago.

"MJ wouldn't be MJ if he played anywhere else but Chicago for his pro career. He would have been a great player anywhere else, but in Chicago he became the Black Cat, he became MJ in Chicago. Just off the strength of the culture that's in Chicago, and its cultures is everywhere, but basketball culture is just strong."

Derrick Rose then doubled down on his statement, claiming that Jordan's friends in Chicago likely pushed him to win another three titles after he won his first three titles.

"MJ won them three, I guarantee you he had people in his corner like, 'you just went on vacay, they ain't gonna let you come back and win three more! I bet you can't!'

Before I write anything else, let it be known that I will go to my grave knowing Michael Jordan is the greatest human being to ever pick up a basketball in the history of the world. 

But Derrick Rose is catching hell for this take, but I agree with him here. 

Rose basically said that while MJ was obviously insanely talented, he wouldn't be the same MJ without Chicago.

Now, this is interesting because Rose grew up in Chicago during the Bulls dynasty years. Imagine being a kid in Chicago at that time, obsessed with basketball and watching MJ dominate on a nightly basis year after year, the whole city going crazy for the Bulls. I can't imagine it. Kids in the 90s in Chicago were so freaking lucky.

It'd be like growing up only knowing the Tom Brady Patriots—you would equally think they were the greatest football franchise of all time.

Granted for more than half my life I got to enjoy watching Brady and Belichick lead my hometown football team to never seen before levels of success. But I also experienced the Bill Parcells and Pete Carroll Patriots before that. 

Rose saw firsthand how Chicago embraced Jordan and the Bulls. He felt the energy of the city, the crazy fans, and the sky-high expectations. That definitely shaped his view of MJ's career.

Rose believes that Chicago's rich basketball culture, with its passionate fans and intense pressure, pushed Jordan to be even better. It was like the entire working class city was saying, "Alright, MJ, you're amazing, you got two championships in a row, but what else you got? Could you really do three?" And MJ, being MJ, would just shrug and go win another championship. 

Obviously a TON of hypotheticals and "what-ifs" exist and are in play here, but Rose isn't off base for thinking Chicago made MJ the greatest of all time by always pushing him, challenging him, never letting him get complacent.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's hard to picture Jordan beocming Jordan had Portland drafted him instead of Sam Bowie with the #2 pick. 

And that's just taking into account team and location. Nevermind the pieces and coach Jordan had around him in Chicago.

While nobody's denying MJ's incredible talent, Rose makes us think about how our surroundings shape us, even the greatest of all time. It's a cool thought, and it makes you appreciate how special that time was for Chicago and for basketball.

p.s.- its really great seeing Derrick Rose come out of his shell, (and step outside of his brother's shadow) now that his playing days are over. 

Advertisement

p.p.s. - Derrick Rose night is January 4th at The United Center.