Derrick Rose is moving on.
The superstar point guard and youngest MVP in NBA history officially announced his retirement on Thursday morning. The news comes only days after Rose and the Memphis Grizzlies decided to part ways despite one year remaining on his contract.
Rose teased the news on social media late Wednesday night before releasing a statement over Instagram.
โThank You, My First Love โฆ
You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely. You made every early morning and late night we spent together worth every drop of sweat. You reminded me that I could always rely on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what Iโm capable of.
You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined. You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful. You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, and perseverance. You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that I pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play.
You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up. You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
You told me itโs okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that youโll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.
Forever yours,
Derrick Roseโ
Here is a look at the post, which features a soft smile from the normally stoic Windy City Assassin.
The Chicago Bulls were also quick to wish Rose a happy retirement …
Derrick Rose Retires
Rose will leave behind a 16-year-long career that featured tremendous highs and devastating lows. From the moment he was selected No. 1 overall by his hometown team, he felt like a superstar in the making. Rose would immediately transform a Chicago Bulls organization starving for success ever since the departure of Michael Jordan. The first three seasons of his career are practically unmatched, as he’d go from Rookie of the Year to an All-Star to an MVP.
After a 62-20 campaign, which featured an Eastern Conference Finals run that cemented the Bulls as a true contender, Rose would face his first hurdle. The Bulls would enter the postseason as the East’s No. 1 seed only to watch their star point guard suffer a torn ACL. Rose would sit out the entirety of the 2012-13 season before returning for just 10 games the following year. He tore his meniscus on November 22, 2013 and missed the remainder of the season.
While Rose was never the same from there, his story was far from over. He would go on to sink one of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NBA playoff history and completely recreate himself as a serviceable role player elsewhere in the league. Basketball fans will not soon forget his 50-point outburst with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018.
Rose averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over his 723 games played.
Summing up Rose’s career isn’t easy. I’m brushing over a lot both good and bad that I’m sure will be highlighted across the basketball world in the coming hours and days. Indeed, few careers have been as well-documented as this one. Whether you are considered a diehard or a casual, fans know the DRose story well, and this speaks to the significant impact he had on the NBA over this past decade and a half.
As for his impact on Chicago, that is too profound to put into words. Rose has long represented hope for communities that have desperately needed it. Over time, he has practically become a mythical figure in the city. Rose’s name hovers in a stratosphere that contains only a short list of Chicago athletes. Like Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, or Ernie Banks, you can mention Rose’s name anywhere in the city limits and expect a lengthy conversation to ensue. And that’s never going to change.
Happy retirement, DRose.
Ps: We’re not even close to done talking about Derrick Rose’s iconic career. I’m sure there will be plenty more reactions to share, as well as comments from the man himself. We’ll keep you updated with everything.