The popular belief is the spotlight in New York shines brighter than anywhere else. Derrick Rose doesn't think that's the case.
The Knicks point guard says the attention has been off him in many ways since he has arrived in New York via trade from the Bulls.
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"Being in the city, experiencing the way I've been experiencing it, and having the freedom that I have. I think it's only a few places I can live in the States where I can have that much freedom and being here. I think they're used to the celebrity," Rose said, via the New York Daily News. "And with me — how can I put it? — me, like, learning who I am as a man, and experiencing everything I experienced, I really don't like fame like that."
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Rose's explanation makes more sense when you realize he spent the first eight years of his career in Chicago. Not only was he a top pick, he was playing in his hometown.
"I can walk around and be a regular person here," he said.
The 2011 MVP is averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds in his first season with the Knicks.
"You still have to go home, you still have to be around the city when you're not playing. You still have to entertain yourself," he said. "Playing for the Knicks is definitely a dream come true. But like I said, when I'm done playing basketball, when the game is over, I still want that freedom to go out and enjoy as a regular person."