Derrick Rose Makes Eye-Opening Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Statement

Derrick Rose Shares Insightful Thoughts on International Stars Jokic, Doncic, and Giannis

Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose recently made a revealing statement about the rise of international superstars Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, shedding light on how the game of basketball has evolved.

For years, international players were often overlooked and considered unlikely to succeed in the NBA. Fast forward to today, and many of the league’s top players, including Jokic, Doncic, and Giannis, are from overseas, showcasing the growing dominance of international talent.

In the past, players like Kristaps Porzingis faced harsh criticism for being European, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding their transition to the NBA. But now, international players are not only respected—they are becoming the faces of the league. According to Derrick Rose, the key difference between European and American basketball comes down to one factor: physicality.

Speaking with Basketball Sphere, the 2011 NBA MVP shared his perspective on how the game differs between the two continents, especially in terms of the physical demands placed on players.

“I think each of them—Jokic, Giannis, and Doncic—is special. The main difference between basketball in Europe and the U.S. is the physicality,” Rose said. “Each of them has figured out how to adjust to that and adapt their games to the physical challenges. Once you get used to it, the game feels ‘softer’ in the NBA. It’s all about adjusting, like I did with my own aggressiveness.”

Looking at Jokic specifically, Rose highlighted how the Serbian big man’s unique European style has helped him become one of the best passers in the game today. Rose also pointed out how players who’ve played both in Europe and the NBA, like Jokic, bring a valuable skill set back to the league.

“I think I can change that, especially when you play in the NBA and then come back again, perhaps the best example of all this is the Olympic Games,” Rose added. While Team USA remains the team to beat, nations like France and Serbia are rapidly climbing the global basketball ranks.

In Rose’s eyes, the growth of international players is a sign of the game’s increasing globalization and evolution.