Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement from professional basketball on Thursday at the age of 35, concluding a remarkable 16-year career.
Rose, who was the first overall pick in the draft, became a key player for the Chicago Bulls, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and earning MVP honors in 2011. However, his career was plagued by injuries, including a significant ACL tear during the 2011-12 playoffs and a torn meniscus two seasons later, which drastically limited his playing time.
In an emotional statement shared on Instagram, Rose expressed gratitude for the game, saying, “Thank you, my first love. You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.” He reflected on the basketball court as his sanctuary, where he could freely express himself and found unwavering support during challenging times.
Following his tenure with the Bulls, Rose played for several teams, including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and most recently, the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Bulls honored him with an Instagram post, referring to him as “the kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend” and thanking him for his contributions to the team. In his last season with the Grizzlies, Rose appeared in just 24 games, making seven starts. The Grizzlies expressed their gratitude for his significant impact on the team and the city, wishing him well in his future endeavors.