Let’s not pretend, we all know Derrick Rose owns a piece of Chinese basketball’s heart. From the second his highlights hit Chinese forums, it was over. In a country obsessed with underdogs and relentless hustle, Rose wasn’t just an NBA star; he was their guy. And China didn’t just like him, they claimed him.

Every pair of D Rose sneakers flying off shelves, every kid in a pickup game trying to mimic his killer crossover. Because here’s the thing about China and D-Rose: they didn’t just admire his game. They needed it. They needed proof that skill could outweigh height, that speed could defy the odds.

And his recent visit to China stirred it up all over again. He toured all over China, from Shanghai to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and even Shenzhen. Rose and his family reunited with Yao Ming. He then battled streetball star Chen Zewen in a one-on-one, ran clinics for young hoopers, and even teamed up with Yao’s foundation for charity. There might also be a big September project coming up for freestyle chess in China. Derrick Rose left love on the court and teased a return for a Yao Foundation game this August. However, until then, the Assassin is back in his beloved Windy City.

The city that watched him grow, Derrick Rose, is Chicago’s pride. From Englewood’s cracked courts to the United Center’s roaring stands, his rise was theirs. A hometown kid who carried the city’s hopes on his back, then carried its pain in his knees. And when the Bulls lift his No. 1 to the rafters next season, it won’t just be a jersey they retire. It’ll be a piece of Chicago’s soul. And after his homecoming, he received truckloads of love from his people.

The hometown hero was spotted casually strolling around the streets of Chicago without any security. He received love from every fan who spotted him. People clicked photographs, took autographs, and exchanged wholesome interactions. One such interaction was caught on camera, Derrick was spotted clicking a selfie with a fan when another person approached him. He said, “Derrick Rose is really out here chillin’,” clearly expressing his astonishment to be able to meet the hero in person. When Derrick approached him, he didn’t miss the chance to express himself. He said, “Derrick you mean a lot to the city bro, I appreciate you Dawg.”

And Derrick’s response? He just dapped him like an old friend. If you think closely, the casual stroll down Michigan Avenue by himself makes sense because nobody is going to touch the guy who was their childhood hero. Derrick is free as a bird to feel the sense of normalcy, at least on the streets of Chicago. He’s treated like a family member more than a basketball star.

Bulls’ Lottery Gamble 2.0

Fate intervened on May 20, 2008, when the basketball gods smiled on Chicago. Against impossible 1.7% odds, even after losing to the Celtics before the playoffs, the Bulls hit the lottery jackpot. The prize was the #1 pick. From the moment David Stern announced his name, the city knew: this was more than luck. This was Chicago’s prodigal son, Derrick Rose, returning to resurrect his hometown team. The kid who dominated at Simeon would now electrify the United Center. His explosive crossover carried the weight of an entire city’s dreams.

The hometown kid immediately claimed Rookie of the Year honors, then shattered records by becoming the NBA’s youngest MVP at just 22. His play propelled the Bulls to a dominant 62-win season and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, single-handedly reigniting Chicago’s championship aspirations. In just three seasons, Derrick Rose revived a franchise.

Now in 2025, that same 1.7% chance flickers again like déjà vu. Due to the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament, they remain in the mix for the first overall pick. Fans are hoping for a repeat of 2008’s fortune. Being 12th on the list, Chicago is trying to hold on to the hope tied to nostalgia. The whole city is wishing and dreaming of Cooper Flagg as the next franchise cornerstone. But Bulls must temper hope with pragmatism. They should be ready to build whether fortune smiles or turns away.