Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose faced tough challenges in recent seasons due to injuries. Though he was a vital player for the Memphis Grizzlies, he struggled to contribute last season and asked to be released before the new season.
After the Grizzlies granted his request, the NBA community wondered about his next move. Rose has now announced his next move: he is retiring from the NBA.
Last week, the Memphis Grizzlies let Derrick Rose leave his contract one year early. A week later, with an expression of appreciation for the game of basketball, the 35-year-old posted on Instagram to say he is retiring from basketball.
He shared, “Thank You, My First Love …
You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain….
You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days
You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.
Forever yours,
Derrick Rose.”
Rose also shared his retirement news with ESPN, saying, “Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision. Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family — they deserve that.”
A brief reflection of Derrick Rose’s NBA journey
The Chicago Bulls selected Derrick Rose as the first overall choice in the 2008 NBA draft. The 6-foot-3 point guard quickly impressed with his athleticism. He was named to the All-Star team for three consecutive years and was named Rookie of the Year in 2009.
In 2011, he led the Bulls to a top record while averaging 25.0 points and 7.7 assists; at the age of 22, he became the youngest MVP in history. The 2012 playoffs was a turning point in his career, as he tore his ACL He didn’t appear in a single game in 2013–14 and missed the whole next season.
In 2016, he was traded to the New York Knicks, and injuries plagued the later part of his career. He finished with averages of 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 games, playing just 77 games in his final three seasons.
