Derrick Rose

It would be two full seasons before he sent shockwaves through the NBA circuits by outwardly wondering why he couldn’t blossom into the league’s No. 1 talent, promptly followed by becoming the Association’s youngest-ever Most Valuable Player. Yet, as the Boston Celtics learned on April 18, 2009 through one airborne leap after another, Derrick Rose’s greatness — and ability to achieve excellence earlier than most — was present from the jump. Leaving the night’s commentators to jokingly question if it were truly his first-ever playoff game, the Chicago Bulls superstar offers a particularly brilliant act, floating towards the paint with a delayed between-the-leg, crossover combination down the baseline. Creative, even with multiple Celtics defenders draped to his arm like a sleeve, Rose hoists a nearly over-the-backboard floater through the net, alongside a foul. Embarking upon one of the game’s greatest playoff arrivals, Rose aced the high-stakes test with 36 points, complemented by four rebounds, 11 assists, one steal, and eye-opening efficiency from the field (12-of-19) and from the charity stripe (12-of-12). Rose’s efforts influenced both a Game One upset victory, and tied a 39-year record for the most points scored by a rookie in the first chapter of their postseason story.

Rookie of the Year

Rookie Year