Quentin Grimes #5 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a basket against the Sacramento Kings (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Derrick Rose, a Chicago basketball icon and the youngest MVP in NBA history was recently honored by the Bulls in a heartfelt halftime ceremony. The event, including announcing that his No. 1 jersey will be retired next season, celebrated his legacy as one of the franchise’s most impactful players.
Beyond his on-court accolades, Rose’s leadership and mentorship have left a lasting impression on teammates, including Quentin Grimes, who played alongside him for two seasons with the New York Knicks during the later stages of Rose’s career.
“Just the way he's always been professional, you know what I mean?” Grimes told RG. “During my two years with the Knicks and he was there, he wasn't really playing as much, but he still conducted himself like a true professional, always stayed ready. Whenever we had guys down, he was able to give me a lot of tips and pointers early on in the league, on how to just be a pro, always stay working, and staying in the gym.”
Rose’s influence extended beyond Grimes. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, while his father, Rick Brunson, was an assistant coach for the Bulls from 2010 to 2012, maintained a strong connection with Rose during their time as teammates in New York. At the time, Brunson was transitioning into a larger role as the focal point of a team’s offense following his postseason breakout with the Dallas Mavericks in 2022. He has since emerged as one of the league’s best guards, averaging 26.7 points and 6.7 assists across 206 regular-season and postseason games since the start of the 2022-23 season.
“Probably Jalen Brunson. You know what I mean? Derrick grew up in Chicago, and Jalen’s dad coached him during high school,” Grimes said.
“Derrick was a big influence on Jalen’s life. He would ask him a lot of questions and talk to him almost all the time during that second year when we were all in New York.”
The Bulls’ recent tribute to Rose resonated deeply with Grimes, who expressed his admiration for the elaborate ceremony on social media, calling it the “best retirement rollout ever.”
“They did it big for him,” Grimes said. “I mean, they had the whole city of Chicago involved. They went to his high school, had the whole flyer arrangement, and almost all of his teammates were there. It was great. They coached him for that day, the whole day. The whole rollout was amazing for him. I’ve never really seen anything like that. He’s one of the few players that really deserves all of that, for sure.”
Growing up admiring Rose’s game, Grimes reflected on the former MVP’s dynamic playing style and his lasting influence on the sport.
For Grimes, Rose’s mentorship exemplifies the value of veteran leadership for young players navigating the challenges of the NBA. Handling the ups and downs early in a career isn’t easy, and Grimes appreciates how Rose helped him.
“It’s big, just knowing that those guys have been at the top of the top, the pinnacle, and they can come down and give you advice—whether things are going bad or going good,” Grimes said.
“Just having guys like that to lean on makes a difference. Even if you have good days or bad days, you can talk to him about anything, really.”
As Grimes continues his NBA journey, Rose remains a defining figure among the teammates who have shaped his career. Playing a strong season with the Mavericks, Grimes compared the influence he received from Rose to that of his current teammate, Markieff Morris.
“Yeah, for sure,” Grimes said. “I mean, there’s a bunch of guys like that throughout the league who mentor younger players. It’s great when every team has a guy like that. For us, it was like Markieff Morris. He’s been there for a long time, even though he’s not at the top like Derrick Rose, but still, a guy that’s been in the league a long time and knows what it’s supposed to look like. Having OGs like that is definitely a big thing.”
The Bulls’ celebration of Rose’s career was a fitting tribute to a player whose influence extends far beyond his remarkable on-court achievements.
Grant Afseth
