Derrick Rose looks back on time with Chicago Bulls and wishes he could have lived a little more

Derrick Rose is back in Chicago and reminisces about his fantastic time in the Windy City early in his career.

© Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

During his younger years, Derrick Rose was so focused on dominating the league that he failed to appreciate the city of Chicago and all it had to offer. Now, years removed from his time with the Bulls, Rose realizes that he should have savored every moment more. Rose recently opened up about his reflections on Chicago in a talk with the media before his New York Knicks played the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

Intense focus during his first few years

Rose, now 34 years old with 13 NBA seasons under his belt, has wonderful memories of his time in Chicago. However, he admits that when he was younger, the intensity of his focus to dominate took away from some of the joys his professional basketball career could have brought him.

"Coming back, just seeing it, makes you kind of reminisce about the older days when I was playing here. In hindsight, you always wish you had cherished things a little bit more," Rose said. "I wish I had danced a little bit or something. Ja Morant or something, you know what I mean? Gave a little dance."

"But seriously, you know how it is, you're older and look back at it. The times I didn't go out to concerts or dinners when I had all the time in the world to do that. That's something I didn't do. And that's something I would've cherished doing when I was here," D-Rose added.

Playing the role of a good veteran

The truth is Rose is now in the twilight of an incredible career. He's no longer playing as much, averaging 13.6 minutes an appearance. He's also averaging a little over six points per game, the lowest he's scored since his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017.

But while his role on the court has diminished, Rose is still playing a key role off the court. He's become a mentor to players such as guards Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes. Don't get it twisted, though; when Rose's number is called, he'll still be ready to perform.

"Who knows how many years I'm going to continue to play?" he said. "It's a lot of things I'm looking forward to doing. But right now, I'm still invested in basketball. So that's where I'm giving my everything.