The superstar is broken.

[Certain]

This is how easily the shooting star falls from the skies:
He stood tall in the lights, with fame, wealth, glory all in his sights.
Then, in a ball on his side, swallowing pride,
Derrick Rose, Chicago's favorite son, down and calling for ice.

"I've watched it 20- or 30-something times. But I try not to think about it."

This is the superstar, strapped to the leg press,
his back and thighs aching from ravaging 10-sets.
It's in his eyes. He can't escape the image of buckling,
the knee twisted and crumbling, physically humbling.
The superstar was exquisite at jumping, a marvel of grace
now harnessing pain in hopes of discarding this brace.

"Everyone's free to voice their own opinion. I can't stop people from saying stuff."

This is the MVP, the point guard, the floor general and captain,
now defenselessly basking in fans' resentment and madness.
But they don't understand.
Their knees have only bent as far as their minds.
But as hard as he grinds, parked on a bike,
the superstar feels like he's going nowhere, marking the time
with meaningless gains. He's seeing what's plain:
He may never again weave through the lane without reeling in pain.

"The thought of me going out there and injuring myself again, I didn't want to put myself in that position."

This is the superstar, returning to work.
He still turns with a jerk on his spin move, learning the twerk
on his new knee ligament, concerning at first.
But the surgeon had words, swearing he'd soon be swinging it.
This is not an end. This is the superstar, focusing tight,
honing his flight and proving he still can go to his right.
This is the superstar practicing, staying late on the clock.
That which doesn't kill him only improves the range on his shot.
The days fade into blots. Six to nine months turns to a year.
This is the superstar, the new season, emerging from tears.

"The only thing that's changed in my game is my confidence level. I think I'm way more confident in my craft, in my game. I worked out a whole year training on my body."