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Former Michael Jordan Rival Gives a Huge Shoutout to Knicks Star Derrick Rose

Published 09/17/2021, 11:00 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Chicago Bulls struggled for an entire decade after the retirement of Michael Jordan. But they again got some title hopes with the arrival of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Although they couldn’t still reach the NBA finals, those years of consistency proved D-Rose’s caliber to help build a team.

Back in 2012, an unfortunate ACL injury suddenly immobilized the Windy City Assassin. Post that, he could not find his old self back until he joined the Knicks in 2016. But that season of resurrection was still not as good. However, a former Orlando Magic legend from the 90s still has high hopes for the star.

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Former Michael Jordan rival places bet on Derrick Rose

Nick Anderson played 10 seasons with the Magic and four of those alongside Shaquille O’Neal. In the 1995 EC Semis, the duo along with Horace Grant stunned Michael Jordan’s Bulls 2-4 in a closely fought series. So, Nick has a great understanding of a talented performer and he still has high hopes from former Bulls player Derrick Rose.

In a recent interview with Scoop B, the 53-YO called Derrick an inspiration and expressed, “He might not be the D-Rose that won the MVP, but he’s STILL D-Rose!…”

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Nick knows a thing or two about coming back from an injury. Back in the 1996 postseason, the Bulls had crushed the Magic 4-0 in the ECF. In the process, Nick had sprained his right wrist and that season had also led to the exit of Shaq. Later, Chicago-born Nick had tried a career revamp with the Kings just as Derrick is trying with the Knicks.

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How good is the Knicks’ D-Rose?

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Last season, Derrick, even with the injury woes, led the bench and averaged close to 15 points. Moreso, he bettered himself in the playoffs as he started 3/5 games and averaged 19.4 points, even better than Julius Randle.

USA Today via Reuters

Certainly, the 32-YO proved that he’s far from done. He still has extremely quick hands, the required athleticism, the ability to catch-and-shoot, & a decent game inside the paint. The youngest MVP of the league can lead the Knicks to a deeper playoff run if he gathers his old self back.

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And this upcoming season, he will have a point to prove against the Bulls’ Lonzo Ball too. So what do you think, can he deliver amidst the pressure of expectations from the NY fans? Help us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story – Anthony Davis, Scottie Pippen, and Other Teammates of LeBron James & Michael Jordan Pick Sides in the GOAT Debate

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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