Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: 5 Reasons Why Prime Derrick Rose Would Be A Top-3 Point Guard In NBA History
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > 5 Reasons Why Prime Derrick Rose Would Be A Top-3 Point Guard In NBA History

5 Reasons Why Prime Derrick Rose Would Be A Top-3 Point Guard In NBA History

Eddie Bitar
Feb 2, 2021
8 Min Read
Share

Derrick Rose was a sensational point guard in his prime. The young man could not be defended by one or even two defenders, and he has the entire superstar package including box-office attraction and intangibles. That is why Rose is one of the most popular players in NBA history.

Contents
  • 5. Athleticism
  • 4. Scoring Ability
  • 3. Playmaking
  • 2. Leadership
  • 1. Clutch Performer

But injuries cut short what could have been an all-time great career. Had Derrick Rose never sustained the severe injuries he had, we would be looking at a top-3 point guard of all-time, and here are the 5 reasons why.

5. Athleticism

There is no question that outside of Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose was the most explosive point guard in NBA history. Rose was simply unguardable when he got ahead of steam because he was quicker and stronger than any point guard in the league. Rose stood 6’2″ and weighed 200 lbs, but he played bigger than he really was.

The former MVP, had he stayed healthy, would still be the best athlete at the point guard position today. Rose’s game was built off athleticism and that’s why when he had his unfortunate injuries, his game suffered tremendously. If Rose had stayed healthy and not suffered any major injuries, Rose would have been the best athlete at the point guard position and he would have used that to dominate the game in every way including defensively.

4. Scoring Ability

Derrick Rose was incredibly athletic, but he was a natural offensive superstar. Rose hit the ground running in his rookie season by averaging 16.8 PPG and winning Rookie of the Year, and this jumped to 20.8 PPG in his second season. In his MVP season, Rose averaged 25.0 PPG on 44.5% shooting from the field. Rose was automatic from the line, drilling 85.8% of his free throws and also 33.2% from three.

His MVP season was only his third NBA season, and Rose was developing a very deadly outside shot. He would average 21.8 PPG the following season but he only played 39 games before tearing his ACL. He has not averaged 20 PPG since. Rose would have kept his scoring average around 25 PPG over the rest of his career and that would have made him one of the 3 greatest point guards ever.

3. Playmaking

When people think of prime Derrick Rose, they think of off-the-charts athleticism and scoring ability. But Rose was an excellent playmaker, mainly because defenses were geared to stop him every night. Rose was very unselfish even though he was a score-first point guard. His ability to get to the rim at any time forced double and triple teams every game, which opened up the game for his teammates.

His growth as a playmaker was special to watch. Rose averaged 6.3 APG in his rookie season, 6.0 APG in his second season, but this jumped to 7.7 APG in his MVP season. Rose was unstoppable on offense but his passing was another reason he was the best player in the league that year. Rose had another jump in his 4th season to 7.9 APG, but injuries cut that short. If Rose kept healthy, he would have been a double-double machine which would have ranked him as a top-3 point guard behind the likes of Magic Johnson.

2. Leadership

Derrick Rose was showing leadership when he was very young. As a 20 and 21-year old, he led the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs during his first 2 seasons with 41-41 records. His MVP season was spectacular as he was the best player on a team that finished 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 62-20 record. The fact that a 22-year old phenom could have the best record in the NBA as a 6’2″ point guard was special, and there is no doubt he would have continued that streak.

Rose had an offensive impact on games, but his mental intangibles were extraordinary. He carried the Chicago Bulls franchise on his back when the city was looking for their next hero after Michael Jordan and made the Eastern Conference Finals in his MVP season. Rose was special to watch and there is no doubt the Bulls would have been a threat to the NBA Finals every season with Rose healthy. With natural leadership in his bones, Rose would have found playoff success which would have earned him a top-3 ranking all-time.

1. Clutch Performer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1UYPLLotY4

Derrick Rose was a special athlete and scorer who impacted the game as a superstar point guard. But we have seen many superstars come and go who simply don’t have what it takes to get the job done in critical moments. Derrick Rose did not have that issue. Rose was extremely confident in his abilities and loved taking the biggest shots of the game. He was the most athletic guard on the floor at all times and that means he could get any shot off that he wanted.

Rose’s game-winner against the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night in 2011 was shocking to see. Sharing the court with the likes of NBA champion Kobe Bryant, Rose drove to the basket and made a tough shot over Pau Gasol to win the game at Staples. Rose’s game-winner against the Cavaliers in the 2015 Playoffs was also special to see, and he had a knack for making big plays.

Rose had the scoring ability, belief, and superstar intangibles to perform in the biggest games and that would have made him one of the greatest point guards to have ever played.

Next

2009 Was A Great Year For NBA Fans: LeBron Wins MVP, Kobe Wins Finals MVP And First NBA Title Without Shaq, Rose Wins ROTY

Michael Jordan From 1991-1998 Was Unstoppable: 6-0 NBA Finals, 18-0 vs. East, 6-0 vs. West, 9 50-Win Teams Beaten, 7 60-Win Teams Beaten, 24-0 vs. NBA

Ranking The Greatest Kobe Bryant’s Championship Teams: Kobe And Shaq Were An Unstoppable Duo

The NBA Finals Everyone Wants To Watch: 72-10 Chicago Bulls vs. 73-9 Golden State Warriors

Ranking The Top 25 Greatest Shooting Guards Of All Time

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Chicago Bulls ArchiveDerrick Rose
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByEddie Bitar
Eddie Bitar is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance from Utrecht in 2018, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts.Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.A lifelong basketball fan, Eddie grew up trying to mimic Jason Kidd's game. When asked which NBA player, past or present, he would most like to interview, Eddie's choice is clear: Jason Kidd. He admires Kidd's genius at playing point guard and his ability to lead a team to two NBA Finals appearances. Eddie believes Kidd is an underrated star who deserves more praise, and he would relish the opportunity to pick his brain and discuss the intricacies of the game.
Previous Article Ranking The Only Teams In NBA History To Win A Title Without A Player Making The All-NBA First Team
Next Article Richard Jefferson Clowns LeBron By Liking All Of Courtside Karen’s Photos On Instagram
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Warriors guard Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Ayesha Curry Never Wanted Kids; Claims Stephen Curry Doesn’t Understand Her Career Goals

October 4, 2025
Lakers center Deandre Ayton during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Deandre Ayton After Recording Two Blocks But Only Two Shot Attempts In His Lakers Preseason Debut:

October 4, 2025
San Antonio Spurs News & Analysis

5 Goals For Spurs Superstar Victor Wembanyama In 2025-26 NBA Season

October 2, 2025
Every NBA Team's Best Starting Lineup Since 2000
NBA News & Analysis

Every NBA Team’s Best Starting Lineup Since 2000

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?