DERRICK ROSE, the youngest Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the history of the NBA, unexpectedly announced his retirement after playing 16 amazing seasons.
After a remarkable career as one of the league’s most beloved basketball players, Rose decided to put his jersey in the rafters, marking the end of an era in the NBA.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Rose said, “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.”
A hero to many
The former number one overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft last played for the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite being on a two-year deal, the organization allowed his request to forego his final year.
The Chicago native won MVP in the 2010-2011 season and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. He averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game, giving him the NBA’s youngest MVP ever at 22.
However, his promising career was ruined when he suffered an ACL tear in the first round of the 2012 playoffs, missing the rest of the season and playing only 10 games in the following 2013-2014 season.
Aside from the Bulls, he previously played for the New York Knicks twice, the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Detroit Pistons before joining the Grizzlies.
“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 imagined,” he said.
The veteran guard had an up-and-down career, suffering serious injuries that hampered his career in certain areas. Despite the doubts, Rose rose to the occasion and showed his abilities.
“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,” Rose added.
“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.”
Time to take a bow
Everything comes to an end, just like in any movie we watch or story we read. Rose will now enjoy his time off from the strain of proving himself to everyone who has doubted him since he was injured.
“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,” he said.
Despite his injury history, he averaged 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 723 games played throughout his career. Rose will always hold a particular place in every ballplayer’s heart.
Many may still wonder what his career would have been like if not for the terrible string of injuries. One thing is certain: he left a legacy as one of the most entertaining and athletic point guards to ever step onto a basketball court.
