Derrick Rose admits, he once tried to recruit LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to join the Chicago Bulls in 2010. In an interview with Rose during Tuesday's preseason match against the Bulls, Rose said his interest to recruit the two players also include Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. He further added that he even made a video to profess his intention, which at the time Rose had Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Taj Gibson on the team.
"People always said that I didn't recruit. I tried to recruit. I put out the video, but it wasn't for me to say that. I felt like it was for the organization to say that," he says.
Despite admitting making the video, Rose is unsure whether the management made an effort to send the video. He also added that the organization never talked about the video. The Bulls sent the video but Rose is not convinced they even watched it.
Rose finds success in Chicago
In 2011, after winning the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, Derrick Rose, 22, became the youngest recipient of the award. He became a household name for his contribution, talent, and work for the Chicago Bulls franchise. However, he soon became the center of attention for a very different reason after he said he won't recruit for the team. "I'm not going to do that," Rose said.
Talking to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd, "I'd love for you to come to Chicago because all I care about is winning," were Rose's words according to James.
Dwyane Wade, on the other hand, indirectly confirmed the invitation. However, he did mention the two instances wherein, he thought he might be able to play with D-Rose.
According to Wade, he thought the Miami Heat would pick him during the draft season and that didn't happen. The second time was when Rose invited him to join the Bulls and still, things did not work out.
But that's all water under the bridge as Wade acknowledges the fact that when they least expected it, the three players now join the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise.
Big Four In Chicago?
Derrick Rose wanted LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh since 2010. He wanted them in order to win a championship but like any other big gamble in the NBA, players still need to consider other factors such as family and what really makes them comfortable.
In 2010, the picture just didn't fit but seven years later, what's meant to seem to have found its way.
Meanwhile, Rose also revealed that during his eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls, he felt like the franchise didn't have his back after failing to address the issue of him "not recruiting."
