Derrick Rose Selects 5 Greatest Players From Chicago

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose appeared on the Out The Mud podcast with fellow Chicago natives Tony Allen and Zack Randolph, where he revealed his picks for the five greatest basketball players to come out of Chicago. The list, deeply personal and rooted in his upbringing, highlights the profound impact Chicago hoopers have had on the sport and the culture of basketball.

Derrick Rose: "I gotta go Zeke... I gotta go Will Bynum. TA... only reason I threw Will, was a f***ing prodigy. That's a fact... TA."

Tony Allen: "They don't know understand what he meant to the city, what he meant to my life."

"You know, just bringing me back into the basketball world cuz like, I told y'all before like, I was lost out here in this city and I thank him for even pulling me back into the realm of school and basketball itself. So yeah, big shout out Will Bynum but take me off there, I don't want to be on there."

Derrick Rose: "I gotta go Jabari... I'ma throw Pat on there... I'm a throw Sherron."

Derrick Rose’s first pick was an easy choice: Isiah Thomas, the Detroit Pistons legend and two-time NBA champion. As one of the most skilled and mentally tough players in NBA history, Thomas is a basketball icon not only in Chicago but across the globe. A product of the city’s West Side, Thomas set the standard for what it means to be a Chicago guard, combining elite talent with a fierce competitive spirit.

Rose surprised some by naming Will Bynum, a player perhaps less heralded on the national stage but deeply respected in Chicago. Rose called him "a prodigy" and emphasized his impact on the city’s basketball scene. Bynum, known for his explosive scoring ability and fearless play, inspired many young players in Chicago, including Tony Allen, who credited Bynum with pulling him back into basketball. 

Rose also included Jabari Parker, a high school phenom who rose to national prominence at Simeon Career Academy—the same school Rose attended. 

Parker was widely regarded as one of the best players in the country during his prep days and went on to play at Duke before being selected second overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. While injuries have slowed his professional career, Parker remains a symbol of Chicago basketball’s rich talent pool.

Another Simeon alum, Patrick Beverley, made Rose’s list. Known for his grit, tenacity, and defensive prowess, Beverley epitomizes the toughness often associated with Chicago basketball. Rose’s inclusion of Beverley reflects his appreciation for players who have carved out impactful NBA careers through sheer hard work and determination.

Rounding out Rose’s list was Sherron Collins, another Chicago legend who made waves at Crane High School before becoming a star at the University of Kansas. Collins led Kansas to a national championship in 2008 and earned recognition as one of the best guards in college basketball during his time there. His success at every level of the game cemented his status as a Chicago great in Rose’s eyes.

Initially, Rose named Tony Allen as one of his top five, but Allen, ever modest, requested to be removed from the list. Allen’s humility only added to the authenticity of the discussion, as the group reflected on the interconnectedness of Chicago’s basketball community.

Rose’s selections highlight the deep talent pool that has emerged from Chicago over the years. From Hall of Famers like Isiah Thomas to local legends like Will Bynum and Sherron Collins, each player on Rose’s list has left an indelible mark on the game. For Rose, these choices are as much about basketball ability as they are about the cultural and personal impact these figures have had on the city and its players.

As one of Chicago’s greatest players himself, Rose’s picks carry significant weight, showcasing the pride he has in his hometown and the players who paved the way for his own incredible career.