BJ Armstrong‘s tenure with the Chicago Bulls is not just a chapter in his NBA career. It represents a meaningful journey during which he achieved the highest level of success as a player.
To show his gratitude to the franchise, “The Kid” took on the role of mentor after his retirement, dedicating time to support and guide some of the Bulls’ younger athletes. One of his most notable connections was with former Bulls star guard Derrick Rose.
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Armstrong recognized Rose’s hunger for knowledge, particularly in knowing more about Bulls icon Michael Jordan. BJ shared valuable insights with Derrick, emphasizing the importance of not just trying to replicate Mike’s extraordinary talent. Instead, “The Kid” passionately encouraged “Pooh” to focus on the most valuable aspect that led to MJ’s success: the relentless drive to win.
“The great players win in this league,” Armstrong said in 2009, revealing what he used to tell young Rose. “For all that Michael Jordan could run, jump, and entertain, he is best known for one thing: He won. If you want to be a great player in this league, you have to focus on one thing—the bottom line, which is winning.”
Everything else will follow as long as you win
Armstrong’s message to Rose was clear. While talent is vital in the NBA, it is the pursuit of victory that truly defines a player’s legacy. Apart from influencing Derrick with Michael’s renowned winning mentality, “The Kid” also played a crucial role in shaping the youngster’s understanding of focus.
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BJ consistently instilled in D-Rose the necessity of doing whatever it takes to lead his team to win. He emphasized that by stabilizing an unwavering commitment to winning, the other facets of his game would naturally improve over time.
“They all had their own unique style, their own brand, and their own things that they brought to the team, but one common denominator touched them all. They won,” BJ openly shared. “I try to make the game really simple for Derrick. If you win, all the other things will take care of themselves.”
What D-Rose learned from MJ
By closely observing Jordan, Rose internalized a crucial lesson about gaining a competitive edge over his opponents. Derrick was in awe of how Mike’s relentless drive and fierce competitive spirit ignited a fire within him.
Admiration and inspiration motivated Rose to adopt an identical and tenacious approach to the game. He pushed himself to excel physically and mentally, but above all else, “Pooh” learned from “His Airness” that intimidation was a useful weapon when done right.
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“MJ talked s*** sometimes, but it’s like the fear of waking him up… The people was timid, and if you was about that, Imma wear you down. Who’s gonna break first? Imma try to break you first before you get to me. And I felt like that’s what made my competitive edge push me to a high level, because I was willing to do anything on that court to win that game, and that’s what people saw from my rookie year all the way to when I won my MVP,” Rose once opened up on “My Expert Opinion” Podcast.
Indeed, D-Rose applied everything he learned from Armstrong and Jordan. Many believed he was the one who could bring the championship back to Chicago. Unfortunately, a series of injuries prevented it from happening.