Derrick Rose, the greatest What if? in NBA history and Chicago Bulls Star announces Retirement

 Derrick Rose, just shy of 36 announced he has retired from the NBA.  Rose, a child born and raised in Englewood, a star High School player at Simeon, was going to lead the Chicago Bulls past the LeBron James Cavaliers (or Heat), bring them back into the NBA Finals, and revive the glory of the 1990's Bulls.  But, it never materialized.

Sixteen years after igniting a frenzy of fandom when the Bulls selected him with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, Chicago native Derrick Rose is retiring from basketball.

Rose leaves a legacy of hope and heartbreak. Two state championships with Simeon. An MVP trophy, Rookie of the Year award and three All-Star selections with the Bulls. Four knee surgeries and a missed season due to ankle injuries. And an endless list of lingering questions — set to the tune of “What if?”

Much has been made of Derrick Rose's explosive style of basketball leading to his numerous injuries and inability to play a full season.  I've always thought his poor nutrition growing up in Chicago made his body unable to deal with the rigors of the game and left his tendons, ligaments, and bones unable to accept the explosive power of his muscles.

Rose played a full season three times in his NBA career, his first 3 seasons with the Bulls.  Since 2016 he didn't appear in more than 50 games.  But, those first 3 years, caused the entire city to believe, the Bulls were on the cusp of Championship relevance and Rose himself was going to have a Stratospheric career but, besides the injuries, his off-the-court gang rape allegations also laid low his star power.  Nonetheless, he lasted in the league for 15 years which is impressive.