Image via Complex Original
Derrick Rose is undoubtedly the 2011 MVP even if he's too modest to admit it (c'mon son, you know but you're acting like ya don't know). The Chicago Bulls rode homie to a No. 1 seed in the East this season and continued to do so through the first round of the playoffs. Now Rose leads the Bulls to face a surprising Atlanta Hawks team that is feeling themselves after finally toppling Superman and the Orlando Magic. So, in time for Game 1 tonight at 8 ET, we reminisce, and check out everything from his legendary high school days at Simeon to his ill dunks and ankle breakers in the pros. Here are The Signature Plays of Derrick Rose's career...
I'm Varsity, Chump. You're JV.
DATE: 3/26/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: In a game where D-Rose had 30 points and a career high 17 assists, no play summed up his performance quite like this one. Rose made Brandon Jennings look like the skinny kid in JV who thinks he's nice until Rose hits him with the: Maybe next year, lil dude. #stunt101
Beasting as a Young'n
DATE: 2004 - 2008
COMPLEX SAYS: During his high school career, D-Rose led Simeon Wolverines to a 120-12 record and back-to-back state championships, the first team to do so in Chicago Public League history. At Memphis, he led the Tigers to a national championship appearance in '08 versus Kansas. I be wylin' cause I'm young, wy-wylin' cause I'm young. (Cudi voice)
Not Your Average Pickup Game
DATE: 2006
COMPLEX SAYS: This classic footage from a Chicago gym shows future pro ballers Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans in a friendly game of streetball. D-Rose, along with Eric Gordon, ended up getting the best of Tyreke and his squad (surprise, surprise). OK, who wants next? Oh, no one. Yeah, we figured.
Freaks the Oop
DATE: 3/26/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Although D-Rose has quickly become one of the league's most prolific scorers, as you can see, the kid can dish too. Here he throws the sneaky alley-oop to the high flying Tyrus Thomas. When you can make bench riders like Thomas look somewhat beastly, you know you're doing something right. Note to all point guards (ahem, Russell Westbrook): Sharing is caring.
Throwdown on Z-Bo
DATE: 3/4/2010
CCOMPLEX SAYS: To his credit, Zach Randolph isn't known for his defense, but damn, you outweigh D-Rose by at least 70 pounds. Put that lil dude on his ass! Pause.
Get Off Me!
DATE: 12/12/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: If Boston gets past the Miami Heat to hopefully face the Bulls (FOH, Hawks) in the Eastern Conference Finals, we can anticipate more dope plays like this. The Celtic guards have no answer for him. First he embarrasses Eddie House then he tells Rajon Rondo to fall back. Somebody call DYFS!
FOH With That!
DATE: 5/2/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Brian Scalabrine is the NBA's most lovelabe scrub. He's the best cheerleader in the L, and knows the majority of his career highlights will feature him doing hilarious shit on the bench. So, although this swat was pretty embarrassing, we're glad to say it won't happen again anytime soon now that he and D-Rose are on the same squad. If you can't beat 'em...
One-Handed Flush
DATE: 4/12/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: The one-hand alley oop flush has become a staple in Rose's game of late and so has the habit of stuntin' against the Knicks. We blame Jared Jeffries for this defensive fail, though. Whether on D, or in critical moments on the offensive end, Jeffries stays losing. SMH.
Block Party
DATE: 4/2/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: Before being sent to the Toronto Raptors (yup, that's a downgrade) at the trade deadline this season, James Johnson was actually a teammate of D-Rose. So, of all people, he should know about Rose's ability to get back on defense. D-Rose to Johnson: C'mon, son! You know that weak shit wouldn't get a pass during practice, much less an actual game.
Ill Block and Spin Move
DATE: 4/16/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: D-Rose has been going H.A.M in the playoffs and this clip is the best piece of evidence. He throws Darren Collison's shit, goes coast-to-coast, then spins and finishes with the layup. One of the best 2011 playoff highlights thus far? It ain't even a question! Hold your head, Ja.
Game-Winning Block in 2009 Playoffs
DATE: 4/30/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: in one of the biggest defensive plays of his young career, Rose denies Rajon Rondo from being the hero in triple overtime to force a Game 7. They're both among the league's best point guards but as of now D-Rose >>> Rondo. #justsayin'
Posterizes Greg Oden
DATE: 11/23/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: In this clip, the No. 1 picks from 2007 and 2008 NBA Drafts face off with one another at the rim. Greg Oden has a nine inch height advantage, but with knees to match that Morgan Freeman face of his, this match-up was unfair from the very beginning.
No Respect for His Elders
DATE: 11/30/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Defense, hops, and ill handles. Damn, is there anything Derrick Rose doesn't have in his repertoire? Andre Miller is one of the oldest heads in the league and should've known better than trying to d-up on Rose. Old man, if you're going to do this at least make sure you've got the Life Alert joint on you.
