NBA players know and appreciate hard work.
Yes, you have to win the genetic lottery to a degree to make the NBA, but that alone is not enough. It takes more hard work than most people realize — a lot of lonely hours in the gym working on technique and footwork, a lot of hours in the weight room working on their bodies — to make it to the top 450 players in the world. It’s even harder to stay there, thousands of players around the world want to replace them. NBA players feel a fraternity with each other because they understand the hours, the sacrifice, the grind of it all.
Which is why they love the Derrick Rose story. He had an ACL and two meniscus surgeries on his knee, but the former MVP had gotten paid, had the big shoe deal, and could have walked away from the game set for life. But he didn’t. He got back in the gym, worked as hard as anyone, all because he wanted to keep playing.
So when he dropped 50 on the Utah Jazz, other NBA players were pumped for him.
THIS 🌹 MAN 🌹 IS 🌹 COLD @Timberwolves @drose pic.twitter.com/hqSFsggv8f
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) November 1, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpoDIADARwa/?taken-by=kingjames
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2018
This is so dope Man! Can’t imagine the down days, weeks, months and years he went through. 50 ball!! So much respect bro 🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/s42i7Zp63I
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) November 1, 2018
s/o to @drose for the 50 piece tonight!!!
— Chris Paul (@CP3) November 1, 2018
Every Basketball fan in the world should feel good for DRose. Tonite was an example of never giving up on yourself and when others believe in you. Amazing things can happen. I’m smiling like i scored 50! Congrts to a good dude!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 1, 2018
Have a night DRose!! Inspiring for anyone who went through injuries (and more)!
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) November 1, 2018
D rose!!! One of the greatest dudes out there!! He deserves all the praise he’s getting right now!! Congrats homie!!
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) November 1, 2018
Man couldn’t be more happy for d 🌹. Can only imagine the emotions after what he’s gone through. Well deserved. Hard work is undefeated 🙌🏾
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) November 1, 2018
D🌹!!! Incredible. He’s overcome so much. I couldn’t be happier to see him ballin. @drose
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) November 1, 2018
Can't let the night past w/o mentioning my guy Pooh. You're even more special off the court than you are on. That's why the real ones who root for you, root for you all the way through. Thank you for being an inspiration #DROSE 👏🏾
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 1, 2018
It’s great to see #Drose playing like he has this season...
— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) November 1, 2018
@drose you are inspiring man ! WOW
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) November 1, 2018
Happy for @drose man awesome to see!
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) November 1, 2018
