Derrick Rose Retires From the NBA After 15 Seasons
You just had to be there. Prime Rose was must see TV. Yet, today we close the chapter on a career that had absolutely stellar moments; but filled with plenty of what-ifs. On Thursday, news is confirmed that Derrick Rose has retired from the NBA after 15 seasons.
Rumors had been swirling around Rose of a possible impending retirement. And those indications were finally laid to rest. Rose took to social media platform Instagram in order to officially announce his retirement plans.
Derrick released a video as well as a written statement. His statement reads as follows:
Thank You, My First Love…
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 I’m capable of.
You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imaged.
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, 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 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
K.C. Johnson a NBA Insider for The Chicago Sports Network/ NBC Sports provided a little more intel and insight into Rose’s departure from the NBA. Details such as jersey retirement as well as the possibility for a one-day signing. Johnson reports,
“Derrick Rose announces his retirement from the NBA on Instagram and in a newspaper ad.
Special player. Special career.
Bulls at maximum offseason number of 21 contracts, so no one-day ceremonial signing for now. Look for Bulls to honor DRose this season. Doing so with Tom Thibodeau and Knicks in town would make sense. As for possible jersey retirement, Rose’s No. 1 is unofficially retired. Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow briefly wore it before fan backlash forced change. But only Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen have their numbers in the United Center rafters.
Beyond breathtaking talent, Chicago embraced Derrick Rose because he was humble, hard-working and wanted attention on the team, not himself. He also embraced the responsibility of trying to win for his hometown. His teammates and coaches loved him.
So many memories. 1.7% draft lottery odds. Rookie of Year and playoff series vs. Celtics. Refusing to dance at All-Star. The dunk on Dragić. And of course, the 2010-11 season and MVP speech. His words to his mother, Brenda, are one of most powerful moments of my 34-year career.
All-time quote from Brenda Rose after that MVP speech: ‘The thing I’m most proud of is how quiet, humble and respectful Derrick is. He’s a good player, but it doesn’t go to his head. I would hit him upside it and bring him back down if he ever changed.’ Their love was palpable.”
Derrick Rose Retirement- Interesting Career Facts
Rose only played one year in college. After that, the world got the pleasure of witnessing one of the greatest starts to a career in NBA history. Derrick comes out banging. He was named Rookie of the Year in his debut season (2008–09) and was an All-Star in the following three seasons. Instantly becoming a favorite among NBA fans and a highlight reel megastar.
Nonetheless, Rose reached his peak during his MVP-winning third season (2010–11). That year he led the Bulls to a 62–20 record; the best in the league, and in the playoffs powered the team to an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. A big feat, since it also the first time the Bulls had made it that far in the post-Michael Jordan era.
However, the momentum would not carry forward to a championship. If you recall Rose and company’s ambitions were halted by the Miami Heat. A team that featured Lebron James, as well as Dwayne Wade.
But Rose’s impact on basketball will not soon be forgotten. In 2011, at the age 22, Derrick became the youngest player to be named the Most Valuable Player in the history of the National Basketball Association.
Derrick Rose Is Retiring
Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf the respective owner and president of the Chicago Bulls organization, both released statements after news of Rose’s retirement first broke. You can read both below:
JERRY REINSDORF: “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. He’s one of the toughest and most determined athletes I’ve ever been around, constantly fighting through adversity that would have broken most. Watching him grow from a Chicago Public League star to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history as a Bull has been nothing short of an honor. Every time Derrick stepped on the court, it felt like we had a chance to win, and his MVP season remains one of the proudest moments in this franchise’s storied history.
“I wish Derrick all the best in his retirement, knowing he’ll enjoy this next chapter with his family. He will always be a part of our Bulls family, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the United Center to celebrate his incredible journey among his hometown fans.”
Here is also the official statement from Michael Reinsdorf:
MICHAEL REINSDORF: “Derrick Rose will always be a Chicago Bull. From day one, Derrick embodied humility in his biggest moments and resilience in the most challenging ones. He was a once-in-a-generation talent who took the league by storm, becoming Rookie of the Year and the youngest MVP in NBA history—his impact at such a young age is truly remarkable. His legacy in Chicago is undeniable—he brought this franchise back into contention, won an MVP, and, most importantly, inspired a city that will forever claim him as its own.
Off the court, it has been an honor to witness Derrick grow as a man and, most importantly, as a father. Watching him embrace fatherhood has been special, and I know his journey post-retirement has an exciting runway ahead. Derrick will always be family, and I look forward to having him and his kids back at the United Center for what’s sure to be an unforgettable celebration of his incredible journey.”
Derrick Rose Retires From the NBA After 15 Seasons
Yes, incredible indeed. Nevertheless, saying goodbye is never easy. Yet, Derrick Rose manages to do it in artistic; yet grand style.
Rose took out a full-page ad in the Star Tribune
on Thursday morning to announce his retirement. The former MVP wrote a love letter to basketball, a creative way to announce his plans on retiring. The ad appeared in newspapers in each of the six NBA cities he played in. Nice.
But the real question on the minds of fans; the one thing everyone thinks about when an athlete hangs it up is… Hall of Fame? Most would acknowledge that Rose certainly possessed Hall of Fame talent. But due to injuries was robbed of reaching a certain pinnacle. What could have been if not for a knee injury?
Despite setbacks, his career shaped up like this:
1x MVP
3x All Star
1x All-NBA First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year
2x Gold Medalist
A very great player. A Chicago legend, born and raised. Thanks for all the amazing memories on the court Derrick Rose.
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