When Derrick Rose caught flak for not dancing in the intros of the 2012 All-Star Game

DRose was as cool as a cucumber.

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout his career, Derrick Rose often let his game do all the talking. The Chicago native was never one for talking trash or making wild gestures on the floor, even after the most dramatic and exciting of plays. Instead, he let his incredible talent on the court speak for itself.

But during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend, Rose made headlines for something he didn't do – dance in the player introductions. This may seem like a small issue to some, but it caused quite a stir among fans and media alike.

Stone-faced during the intro

The backdrop was the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida—the venue of the 2012 All-Star Game. As the Eastern Conference All-Star starters were introduced, Rose’s teammates LeBron James and Dwight Howard danced and jumped around, much to the delight of the crowd. But when Rose’s name was called, he simply stood still, stone-faced, and waved to the crowd.

After the event, Rose caught flak for not participating in the pre-game shenanigans. However, the Memphis product explained that his reluctance to join in did not stem from him not having dance moves, but rather, he just didn’t think it was the right place or time for it.

"I can dance," Rose said.

"But there's a time and place for that, and I don't think it was right then and there."

Throwback to Derrick Rose not dancing during the All-Star game intro. 🤣🌹 pic.twitter.com/YTlGmzsGgB

— DRoseMuse (@DerrickRoseMuse) February 19, 2024

Authenticity

Through all the ups and downs of his career, Rose has always maintaned his sense of authenticity. He stays true to himself and doesn't feel the need to conform or put on a show for others. This was evident in his decision not to participate in the pre-game dance routine at the event mentioned above.

"You just know that's me, man. If you would have saw me out there dancing, you would have been looking at me different. I'm just me. I can't be anybody else. I think that's what people see," Rose added.

Despite playing the least number of minutes amongst the starters, Rose played well in that game, producing 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and three assists.

#OTD in 2011 Derrick Rose drops 42 points in a win over the San Antonio Spurs pic.twitter.com/mE3mBoJp2u

— hoopsjunky (@hoopsjunky54491) February 17, 2024

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