Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose Unknowingly Stopped Anthony Davis From Quitting Basketball

Both, Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis, call Chicago their hometown. The two have become good friends over the years and it turns out that idolizing Rose in his youth, may be the reason Anthony Davis is playing basketball today.

During his senior year of high school, Davis wasn’t even ranked in Chicago. He wasn’t the best player and was scared to be exposed. This is the reason Davis was close to quitting basketball.

In an interview with Shams Charania, AD revealed that he almost quit the game multiple times, but that the inspiration he got from watching Derrick Rose play, helped him to continue.

“I always watched Derrick Rose when I grew up. Memphis, here for the Bulls… He inspired me a lot and I don’t even think he knows that, and we’re really close…

He’s in the league living his dream, so why can’t I?! I was going through the same thing, but the thing was; I wasn’t Derrick Rose, I wasn’t recognized. My path was a little different. I thought about quitting basketball, I wasn’t good enough, all these doubts. I was able to constantly just watch D-Rose play with passion, represent Chicago. And then being home actually helped me more, maybe more than him. I was able to watch him and man, the way he played inspired me. So I was able to continue to work, and I was able to get to where I am now.”

Lakers star Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) sits down for @Stadium video interview: Lessons from LeBron — love toward NOLA and emotional return game Nov. 27 — his biggest regret with Pelicans exit — when he almost quit basketball — Chicago legacy and more. pic.twitter.com/LJM45AgsOA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 13, 2019