SLAM Hardwood Classics Youth Cover Tee - Derrick Rose (SLAM 143)

Derrick Rose’s early career was like seeing a fine dining restaurant course meal progress in real time. Being selected number one overall by his hometown team was the hors d’oeuvres. Securing the ’09 ROY award was the appetizer. Making the All-Star Game as a sophomore was the salad dish. Winning gold at the 2010 FIBA World Cup was the main course. And for the sweetest dessert there ever was? D. Rose was named the youngest MVP in League history, a distinction that still holds true in 2026. 

SLAM 143 came out in December 2010. Rose’s contribution to history, that MVP award, would become official in May of 2011. But the smell of that tasty dessert had already began to waft throughout the League. In October of 2010, Rose had asked a few simple questions to the media:

“The way I look at it, why can’t I be the MVP of the League? Why can’t I be the best player in the League? I don’t see why not. I work hard, I dedicate myself to the game and sacrifice a lot of things at a young age, and I know, if I continue to do good what I can get out of it.”

A three-star Michelin establishment, born and raised in Chicago, starred at the Madhouse on Madison for all the Chi to see.