Derrick Rose is arguably the second-best player to ever play for the Chicago Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls‘ most memorable era in the NBA was during the presence of Michael Jordan on the roster. After all, MJ led the Bulls to six NBA Championships with a flawless 6-0 record.
However, following Jordan’s second retirement in 1998, the Bulls were left without a cornerstone superstar for more than a decade.
That changed when the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He quickly became a fan-favorite for the Bulls.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesDerrick Rose once picked Isiah Thomas as his GOAT
If there was one team that really tested Jordan and the Bulls, it was none other than the Isiah Thomas-led Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons coined ‘Jordan Rules’ to keep the future Hall of Famer in check during their matchups in the Eastern Conference. As a result, most future Bulls players have hated the Pistons with a burning passion.
However, during a June 2025 interview with HoopsHype, Rose surprisingly picked Thomas as his GOAT over Jordan.
“I mean, my GOAT now is Isiah Thomas because he’s from Chicago. The only guy who beat Magic [Johnson], Mike [Jordan], and [Larry] Bird all in their prime at 6’3”.
“Chicago’s way of doing s___. I used to say MJ, but it wasn’t MJ,” Rose said.
He added: “I said it because I was intrigued by his story and how he won. But I’m not a two-guard. I don’t score like him at all. So it was just me just admiring his story.”
For context, Rose played as a point guard, similar to Zeke. On the other hand, Jordan utilized his scoring prowess to become one of the greatest shooting guards of all time.
While D-Rose’s statement could ruffle some feathers, the Bulls remain focused on honoring the youngest MVP of all-time. After all, the Bulls have planned an exception for Rose’s jersey retirement in 2026.
Derrick Rose’s top five NBA players right now
Aside from sharing his honest thoughts on the GOAT of the NBA, Rose also shared his two cents on the current five best players in the league.
And if I could pick a five right now, Steph [Curry], two-guard would have to be Ant [Anthony Edwards]. Kevin Durant [at the three], Bron [James] at the four, because he plays like a four now. And Joker [Nikola Jokic].
“And that’s no knock to all my peers who still play. That’s just a quick five that was on my head, top of my head,” Rose stated.
He initially snubbed OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but quickly rectified his mistake.
“Damn, my bad, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]. Damn, I ain’t even throw Shai in there bro. Shai, my bad Shai,” Rose concluded.
Since SGA can play both as a point guard and a shooting guard, either Stephen Curry or Anthony Edwards has to be removed from the list. However, Rose didn’t clarify that.