SPORTS-BKN-BULLS-ROSE-TB Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has a laugh with teammates during a game against the Cavaliers on Jan. 1, 2011, at the United Center in Chicago. Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS Chicago IL - Illinois USA - United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx 122698522W ChrisxSwedax krtphotoslive945583
SPORTS-BKN-BULLS-ROSE-TB Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has a laugh with teammates during a game against the Cavaliers on Jan. 1, 2011, at the United Center in Chicago. Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS Chicago IL - Illinois USA - United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx 122698522W ChrisxSwedax krtphotoslive945583
The WNBA postseason is approaching, and the conversation now surrounds MVPS and people’s favorites in the league. And it’s not just fans who are participating in the buzz. Recently, a former NBA star revealed who his favorite WNBA player is.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Martell Rose spoke about what he likes about the WNBA. He also named one standout MVP candidate as his favorite in the league.
“I would say the point guard for Minnesota right now, Olivia,” Rose said during the interview. “The way that she's always in attack mode, so you don't know if she's going to shoot or pass and that all, I love mentality like that.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 09: Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles 5 controls the ball during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings on June 9, 2026, at Target Center in Minneapolis MN. Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUN 09 Dallas Wings at Minnesota Lynx EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260609035
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 09: Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles 5 controls the ball during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings on June 9, 2026, at Target Center in Minneapolis MN. Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUN 09 Dallas Wings at Minnesota Lynx EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20260609035
During the September 4 interview with Sports Illustrated, Rose explained that he loves how unpredictable and aggressive Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles was on the court.
The former NBA star stated that he could relate to that kind of mindset and wanted to pass it on to his son.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles is having a standout rookie season and has already solidified her place as an MVP contender.
According to olympics.com, Miles currently leads all rookies in the league in scoring, assists, and efficiency. This season, she has maintained an average of 19.7 PPG and 6.0 APG while shooting 49.5 per cent from the field.
However, Rose did not praise Miles alone. He expressed his admiration for the WNBA as a whole.
Derrick Rose talks about what he loves about the WNBA
During the same Sports Illustrated interview, Rose discussed what he likes about the WNBA. He mentioned that he loved how the league led him back to the basics of basketball.
“I would say the fundamental part of the game where when you look at that game, it takes you back to the uh basics, and that's what basketball was basically like where good basketball, great basketball is made out of the fabric of it,” Rose said.
The Bulls legend believes if the players are skilled at the fundamentals, the team functions smoothly.
“You bring your fundamentals to a good team, add on to the team, and that team will be running like a machine one day,” he stated.
Rose’s comments revealed his love for the game and the passion that he wants to pass on to the next generation.
The Sports Illustrated interview also included clips of Rose playing ball with his son, while the former NBA star spoke about how he wanted to teach his children about overcoming adversity by connecting with them.
Written by
Arundhoti Palit