NBA Stars Reveal How Insanely Good Derrick Rose Was at His Peak

Derrick Rose’s NBA career is one of the most compelling “what-if” stories in basketball history.

From his explosive rise as the youngest MVP ever to a series of injuries that derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame trajectory, Rose’s legacy is a mix of awe and heartbreak.

But how good was Rose really?

And what do some of the league’s biggest stars say about the player who once seemed destined for greatness beyond measure?

Throughout NBA history, many players have shown flashes of brilliance but never quite reached their full potential due to injuries or other setbacks.

Names like Greg Oden, Grant Hill, and Brandon Roy come to mind—talented athletes whose careers were cut short.

Derrick Rose, however, stands out as perhaps the biggest “what-if” of all.

The Chicago native and Bulls legend burst onto the scene with a level of skill and explosiveness that made fans and fellow players alike believe he could be one of the all-time greats.

Despite some critics suggesting Rose only won the MVP award in 2011 because voters were tired of LeBron James’ dominance, those inside the league knew the truth.

Rose was the engine behind a Bulls team that looked ready to reclaim the glory days of Michael Jordan’s era—until devastating knee injuries shattered those hopes.

While outsiders debated his worthiness, NBA players unanimously agree Rose was the real deal.

Jamal Crawford, a veteran guard who has faced some of the NBA’s best point guards, didn’t hesitate to call Rose the best point guard he’d seen during Rose’s MVP season.

Crawford’s praise is especially meaningful considering he competed against legends like Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Steph Curry, and Russell Westbrook.

For Crawford to put Rose above all of them speaks volumes about Derrick’s talent and impact during that magical year.

Another strong endorsement came from Rip Hamilton, a three-time All-Star and NBA champion.

Hamilton, who played alongside Rose during the 2011-2012 season, called him “the most talented player” he’d ever played with at just 23 years old.

He boldly placed Rose in the top 10 point guards of all time, even suggesting Rose could be top five if not for injuries.

Considering the company—Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Isaiah Thomas, Gary Payton, Steph Curry, and Jason Kidd—that’s extraordinary praise.

Rajon Rondo, a defensive stalwart and multiple-time All-Defensive Team member, also weighed in.

When asked if he’d ever faced anyone like Rose in his prime, Rondo said emphatically, “No man. Nobody.”

He described Rose as the most unguardable player he ever faced, highlighting how Rose’s speed, skill, and basketball IQ made him a nightmare for defenders.

Coming from a defensive specialist like Rondo, this is about as high a compliment as possible.

Jimmy Butler, Rose’s teammate and fellow Chicago native, echoed this sentiment.

Known for holding teammates accountable, Butler’s praise of Rose’s abilities—calling him the best player he’s ever seen—is a testament to Rose’s elite talent.

Even Dwyane Wade, a Hall of Famer and three-time NBA champion, expressed admiration, saying anyone who didn’t root for Rose was missing something special.

What sets Rose apart, beyond his on-court brilliance, is the respect and affection he earned from peers.

LeBron James, often seen as Rose’s rival during the early 2010s, showed genuine support when Rose scored 50 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves years after his injuries.

LeBron’s message of pride and happiness reflected the basketball community’s hope for Rose’s comeback.

Steph Curry, another MVP and future Hall of Famer, also applauded Rose’s perseverance and performance, recognizing the mental and physical challenges Rose overcame to return to form.

Younger players like CJ McCollum, Kyle Kuzma, and Miles Bridges voiced their admiration for Rose’s toughness and skill, many having never seen his prime firsthand.

Perhaps the most poignant tribute came from Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players ever.

Kobe’s tweet after Rose’s 50-point game—“It’s about damn time the real D-Rose stood up.

Love seeing you back my brother”—reminded fans of the elite level Rose played at before injuries struck.

Kobe’s acknowledgment that Rose’s prime performances were no fluke underscores how special Rose truly was.

Rose’s 50-point game was more than just a statistical outburst; it was a reminder of the player he once was and the heights he might have reached.

Injuries robbed the league of countless such nights, leaving fans and players to wonder what might have been.

Rose himself described playing through adversity as doing “anything just to win,” showing his relentless competitive spirit.

In the eyes of many NBA stars past and present, Derrick Rose remains one of the most talented and exciting players the league has ever seen.

His story is one of immense promise, heartbreak, and resilience.

While injuries prevented him from fully realizing his potential, the moments he gifted the basketball world are unforgettable.

As Rose continues to play and inspire, his legacy as a generational talent and one of the greatest “what-if” stories in NBA history is firmly cemented.

Those who witnessed his prime will ensure that Derrick Rose’s greatness is never forgotten, even if the injuries kept him from reaching the summit many believed he was destined for.