Derrick Rose, a former NBA MVP and beloved player, announced his retirement from basketball on Thursday at the age of 35, closing the book on a remarkable 16-year career.
Rose, who was the first overall pick in the draft and became a key player for the Chicago Bulls, made an impressive debut by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2009. He achieved the pinnacle of his career when he was named the league’s MVP in 2011. However, his journey was plagued by injuries, including a costly ACL tear during the 2011-12 playoffs and a torn meniscus that resulted in surgery two years later, both of which significantly hampered his playing time.
In an emotional statement shared on Instagram, Rose reflected on his love for basketball, saying, “Thank you, my first love. You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.” He expressed gratitude for the game allowing him to express himself and for standing by him even during challenging times.
Over his career, which began with the Bulls and lasted through stints with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies, Rose made a lasting impact. The Bulls acknowledged his contributions by calling him “the kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend” in a heartfelt Instagram post.
In his final season with the Grizzlies, Rose played in only 24 games and made seven starts. The team thanked him for his significant contributions and extended their best wishes for his future endeavors.