By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The NBA will miss you, Derrick Rose.
After 16 seasons in the NBA, the youngest league Most Valuable Player (MVP) officially called it a career and will be retiring from professional basketball confirmed on September 26, 2024.
A day after the Memphis Grizzlies waived him out of their official roster for the upcoming 2024-2025 NBA season, Rose posted a cryptic video on his social media account that hinted at his retirement plan.
In a lengthy post on his official Facebook account, Rose then broke his silence and announced that he would be hanging up his jersey for good.
“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,” posted Rose.
Rose was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls during the 2008 NBA Rookie Draft and immediately made an impact upon his arrival.
The explosive point guard quickly adapted to the NBA style of basketball from the NCAA and won the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Rose will forever be known as one of the most athletic and fearless guards to ever set foot in the NBA hardwood. With the aggressive playstyle that he showcased backstopped by his relentlessness in pursuing success, the floor general reaped the fruits of his labor when he became the NBA’s MVP in the 2011 season.
Despite failing to bring the Bulls to the NBA Finals when his aspirations were derailed by the Miami Heat’s Big 3 lineup of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, Rose left his imprint in the City of Chicago and was considered a hometown hero during his eight-year tenure.
Unfortunately, Rose suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs which started the downfall of his career.
A series of injuries affected Rose’s health until the end of his career and became the franchise’s deciding factor in whether to keep him in the long run.
Rose also had brief stints with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and the Grizzlies after his prime years with Chicago.
For most NBA stars, Rose is considered the biggest “what if” in the NBA if he was able to keep himself out of injuries.
“I know my journey hasn’t always been easy. There were times my body couldn’t keep up with my heart. But through it all, I hope you saw the love I poured into this game. I played for you, for my family, and for every dream I had growing up,” added Rose.
Derrick, you always deserved your flowers.
After 16 seasons of inspiring the next generation, it’s safe to say, that you’re the Rose that will continue to bloom.
Thank you, D Rose!
