Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1st round (1st overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft.

Expectations are always high for a #1 draft pick, but Rose was cool, calm, and collected as he scored 36 points in Game 1 of the first round of then Eastern Conference playoffs. The rookie scored all 36 points before the end of regulation, which ranked him amongst some of the greats for a playoff debut. His stat line included 12-19 shooting, 12-12 from the free throw line, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds, as the Bulls defeated the Celtics 105-103 in overtime.