Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose gave his thoughts on the recent dismissal of Tom Thibodeau by the New York Knicks, a significant move that came after Thibodeau guided the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. Rose, who played under Thibodeau for most of his career with the Chicago Bulls and later reunited with him during his stint with the Knicks, mentioned that Thibodeau is doing well despite the circumstances.

In a press interaction in Chicago, Rose reassured that Thibodeau is in good spirits and expressed optimism about the Knicks’ future, highlighting the leadership of All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson.

“I think you can’t be mad when you’re walking away with $30 million. You can’t be too sorry for him,” Rose commented. “But he’s in good spirits. That’s my guy, we’re like that ’till the end. He’s good, Jalen’s still in New York, he’s gonna be ballin’. Everybody wins, I feel like.”

Rose was in his hometown Chicago, acting as the grand marshal for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, where he had the honor of initiating the race’s engine start for the Cup Series.

For context, Derrick Rose was drafted by the Bulls as the top overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, where he later earned the MVP title in 2011 along with multiple All-Star selections. The Bulls plan to retire his number 1 jersey during the upcoming 2025-26 season.