Derrick Rose, former NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year, announced his retirement on Thursday after a 16-season career. In an Instagram post, he expressed gratitude, stating, “You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.”
Rose, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008. He quickly made an impact, averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 assists per game during his Rookie of the Year season. Rose’s performance peaked in 2010-11 when he won the MVP award, averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists per game, making him the youngest MVP in NBA history at 22 years and seven months.
However, his career was marred by injuries, starting with a torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs that sidelined him for the entire 2012-13 season. This injury marked the beginning of several knee issues, affecting his performance in subsequent seasons. Rose averaged 21 points per game in his first four seasons but only 15.1 points per game over the last 11 years of his career.
Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf reflected on Rose’s significance, stating, “Drafting Derrick in 2008 was a special moment, not just for the Bulls organization, but for Derrick, the kid from Chicago, realizing his dream of playing for his hometown team. As both a player and a person, Derrick represents the grit, resilience, and heart of this city.”
After spending six seasons with the Bulls, Rose played for several teams, including the New York Knicks (in two separate stints), Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. In his final season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24, he averaged eight points and 3.3 assists per game in 24 appearances.
On the international front, Rose was a key player for the United States, winning two FIBA World Cups in 2010 and 2014.
