Derrick Rose retired after a 16 year career in the NBA on September 26, 2024.
“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,” Rose announced on instagram, in tribute to his love of the game basketball, which served as his announcement for retirement.
Rose was drafted as the first overall pick of the 2008 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. The guard won rookie of the year in his 2008-09 season and just two seasons later, in 2011, he was the league’s MVP. In three out of his first four seasons, he was an All-Star selection.
In the Bulls 2012 season, Rose led his team to the top of the Eastern Conference with a record of 50-16. The Bulls started the 2012 season strong and were top competitors to be NBA Champions, but on April 28, in game one of the first round of the playoffs, Rose injured his left knee when attempting to jump after driving down the paint to pass away the ball. The injury occured with 1:22 remaining in the game and Rose was just short of a triple-double, he had 23 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds. Rose was helped off the court and brought to the sideline where he was squirming in pain. An MRI later revealed that he tore his ACL. The injury led to the end of his appearance in the 2012 playoffs.
Rose’s surgery was performed on May 12, 2012, his estimated recovery was 8-12 months, but not only did Rose miss the entirety of the next season, but he was only able to play 10 games in the 2013-14 season. His run with the Bulls ended during the 2016 offseason when he was traded to the New York Knicks. Rose then became a journeyman in the NBA, hopping from team to team after being hampered from constant injuries. Over his 16 year career Rose has played for the Bulls, Knicks, Pistons, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies.
In his final three seasons, Rose was limited to only playing in 77 games. He ended his journey on the Memphis Grizzlies where he averaged 8 ppg, 3.3 ast, and 1.9 reb.