Lou Williams Disagrees with Derrick Rose’s Claim That Chicago Was Essential for Michael Jordan’s Success [Video]

Derrick Rose gave the Club 520 podcast a legendary episode when he graced them with his presence. Known for keeping a low profile, Rose rarely opens up about his journey—from rehab to becoming the MVP and an icon in the game. As a proud Chicago native, he shared how much it meant to represent and play for the team he grew up rooting for, the Chicago Bulls.

During the episode, Rose dropped a hot take, claiming that Michael Jordan wouldn’t have become the legend he is today if he hadn’t been drafted by Chicago. Rose believes that the mentality and culture of Chicago residents fueled Jordan’s fire.

“MJ wouldn’t be MJ if he played anywhere else but Chicago,” Rose told the Club 520 crew. “He would’ve been a great player anywhere else, but in Chicago, he became the Black Cat; he became MJ. Just off the strength of the culture that’s in Chicago. And there’s culture everywhere, but the basketball culture here is strong. The expectations are like, ‘Alright, what are you going to do?’”

However, former NBA players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons offered a different perspective on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. They believe Michael Jordan would have become the icon he is no matter which team he played for.

“I feel like MJ was going to be MJ whether he was a Portland Trailblazer or a Cleveland Cavalier,” Williams said. “It was clear Michael Jordan was going to be Michael Jordan.”

Williams even pointed to LeBron James as an example, saying that while LeBron is from Cleveland, he became “the king” in both Miami and Los Angeles as well.