It's been a while since Derrick Rose was in this position, eight years to be exact. That's when the Bulls took Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague in the first round of the draft and Rose took the rookie under his wing.
Up next: Killian Hayes.
"Now that I have this opportunity again, I'm very excited to see how hard he works, just the engine, the motor he has, just see what his game is, see it up close," Rose said Saturday. "And after that I'll be able to express however I think he should adjust to certain things. Whatever it is, I should be able to communicate that to him."
In reality, this situation is much different than the last one. Rose was still the future of the Bulls' franchise in 2012, even if he was out for the year with a torn ACL. And Teague, drafted 29th overall and the fourth point guard off the board, wasn't considered a potential cornerstone for Chicago.
Hayes was drafted seventh overall, the second point guard off the board. The Pistons are about to be his team -- and Rose knows it.
"I already talked to him, I told him he's the future of the team. It's no competing," said Rose. "My job here is to push him and groom him into a great player."
For Rose, that starts with making it 'uncomfortable' for the 19-year-old in practice.
"He's a kid, and coming from overseas guys are going to try to play aggressive with him. So it's my job to play aggressive on him throughout this whole camp so that when he gets into the games he won't feel that much pressure," Rose said.
Hayes has already made a strong impression on one of his favorite players growing up. Rose said he loves his poise, especially for such a young player. So he's 'not worried' at all Hayes adapting to the NBA game after spending the past couple seasons playing professionally in France.
"I love his game," said Rose. "It's an honor to play with a talent like that."
Of course, the feeling is mutual.
"I'm really excited to play with D-Rose, learn from him, compete against him in practice," Hayes said last month. "I feel like it's a great opportunity for me to get better. The season is going to come real quick, so being able to learn from this guy is really a blessing.
"We all grew up watching D-Rose. It's definitely going to be cool being with him."
Hayes couldn't have landed in a better spot. He gets to play for a head coach in Dwane Casey with a track record of developing young talent, and he gets to learn the point guard position from a former MVP. And the Pistons plan to give him plenty of minutes.
The best point guard in franchise history called it the 'perfect situation' for Hayes on the night of the draft.
"Because he'll be under the tutelage of Derrick Rose, and we know what type of work ethic Derrick Rose has," said Isiah Thomas. "I think it's important when rookies come in, particularly at the guard position, to learn from someone who has a great work ethic and is willing teach them. So I like that pick for Detroit."
So does Rose. Now it's on Hayes to prove both of them right.
