Kingston Flemings grew up honoring Derrick Rose on the court, and the eighth overall pick will continue to do so next season with the Atlanta Hawks.
Flemings often watched the former MVP and tried to emulate his mentality and competitiveness every time he stepped on the court. He even collected his signature shoes, which Adidas introduced in 2010 when he was with the Chicago Bulls.
The 19-year-old Flemings wore No. 1 at William J. Brennan High School and No. 4 last season at Houston, both of which were worn by Rose throughout his 15-year career. With No. 1 occupied by Jalen Johnson, Flemings picked No. 4 with the Hawks.
"I always liked being No. 1 because of D-Rose," Flemings said last month of Rose, via the NBA on X. "But D-Rose also wore No. 4."
Flemings was a consensus second-team All-American at Houston, averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range in 37 games. He became the first freshman in program history to earn an All-America selection.
The 6-foot-3 guard debuted with the Hawks in the summer league, averaging 10 points, 6.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 30.8% from 3-point range in four games. He finished in double figures twice, including a 14-point, nine-assist effort on July 4.
Flemings has drawn some comparisons to Rose, largely because of his quickness and ability with the ball in his hands. The Hawks were ecstatic to add him to the roster and believe he has a bright future ahead.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hawks' Kingston Flemings salutes former MVP with jersey number
