Derrick Rose’s career will always fall into the great “what ifs” of NBA history.
Rose was the youngest MVP in league history, winning the award in 2010-11 at the age of 22 and leading the Bulls to the best record in the NBA that year. Very few players in history have been able to match his athleticism. However, Rose and the Bulls were never the same after he tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs.
Rose still managed to play a total of 16 seasons in the league, but he never came close to making another All-Star Game after 2012.
What would have happened if Rose had never suffered so many injuries? Could he have kept that promise and become one of the game’s greatest guards with better health?
To find out, I asked ChatGPT to simulate Rose’s career assuming he never had any serious injuries. Here’s a glimpse of what could have been.
What if Derrick Rose had never been injured?
Years 1 to 3
ChatGPT kept Rose’s timeline the same throughout the first three years of his career, before the injuries.
Rose won the Rookie of the Year award, made the All-Star Game in Years 2 and 3 of his career, and won his MVP in Year 3. The Bulls were eliminated by the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, but looked like a young team. with a big championship window.
Year 4
Actual statistics: 21.8 points, 7.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, All-Star (3x), First Team All-NBA (1x)
Simulated statistics: 23.5 points, 8.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, All-Star (3x)
This is where the timeline begins to diverge for Rose.
He was already beginning to suffer injuries during the regular season, playing in just 39 games in 2011-12. This limited his effectiveness during the regular season and he suffered his devastating ACL injury in the first round of the playoffs.
In our happier simulation, Rose continues her MVP-level scoring. The Bulls once again reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat, where they were eliminated for the second straight year.
Year 5
Actual statistics: Sitting all season
Simulated statistics: 22.0 points, 7.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, All-Star (4x)
In real life, the controversy over how quickly Rose would return from ACL surgery ruined the whole year for him. He sat out the playoffs, leading much of the fan base to complain about him.
In ChatGPT’s simulation, Rose is on another All-Star team and is working on his poor 3-point shooting, hitting 36% from deep. The Bulls were eliminated by the Knicks in the second round, led by a hot series from Carmelo Anthony.
Year 6
Actual statistics: 15.9 points, 4.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 24.2 points, 9.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, All-Star (5x)
Rose makes another All-Star game and consolidates his role as a discreet leader and mentor. The Bulls make another deep playoff run, once again reaching the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Pacers behind Paul George’s stifling Rose defense.
Year 7
Actual statistics: 17.7 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 26.1 points, 8.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds, All-Star (6x)
This would have been Rose’s peak, at the age of 26.
In our simulation, Rose leads the league in several offensive categories, including points per game and field goal percentage. The Bulls once again reached the Eastern Conference finals but were eliminated by the Cavaliers team of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
Year 8
Actual statistics: 16.4 points, 4.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 25.0 points, 7.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, All-Star (7x), First Team All-NBA (2x)
Rose maintains his elite performance and leads the Bulls to an Eastern Conference Finals rematch with LeBron. The Cavs win in seven games.
Year 9
Actual statistics: 18.0 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 24.0 points, 7.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, All-Star (8x)
The Bulls meet the Cavs again in the Eastern Conference Finals, this time losing to the Cavs in six games. This is the sixth time in nine years that LeBron has eliminated Rose’s Bulls from the playoffs.
In real life, Rose was traded to the Knicks before his ninth season, ending his time with the Bulls.
Year 10
Actual statistics: 8.4 points, 1.5 assists, 1.4 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 23.0 points, 7.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, All-Star (9x)
Rose adapts his game by focusing on playmaking and leadership rather than scoring. They were eliminated by the Celtics in five games, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Year 11
Actual statistics: 18.0 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 22.0 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, All-Star (10x)
Rose’s Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs in the second round by a Giannis-led Bucks team.
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Year 12
Actual statistics: 18.1 points, 5.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 21.5 points, 7.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, All-Star (11x)
The Bulls finally break through, winning their first championship since the Jordan era. They beat the Lakers in the final, thus dethroning LeBron.
It’s the latest chapter in an era-defining rivalry and the first time in seven tries that Rose has eliminated LeBron in a playoff series. This will be the last time either player plays in the NBA Finals.
Year 13
Actual statistics: 14.7 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 20.0 points, 6.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds
Transitioning to a more veteran role, Rose continues to contribute while helping develop the Bulls’ young talent. They go 42-30, securing a playoff spot, but are eliminated in the second round by the Nets led by Kevin Durant, James Harden and Irving.
Year 14
Actual statistics: 12.0 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds
Simulated statistics: 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds
Rose had one last season, leading the Bulls to 45 wins. They were eliminated by the Sixers in the first round.
Rose is retiring on her terms, with plenty of gas in the tank. He played all 14 years in a Bulls uniform, finishing his career with 11 All-Star appearances, two First-Team All-NBA selections, an MVP, a scoring title and an NBA championship.
