Former MVP Rose Retiring After 16-Year NBA Career

One of the best high school players Chicago has ever seen at Simeon Career Academy and the youngest MVP ever in the NBA, claiming that award at the age of 22, after 16 seasons has decided to walk away from his sanctuary, the basketball court. Veteran point guard Derrick Rose has called it a career.

Rose, who was released by the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, announced his retirement on Thursday in a statement on his social media platform. Rose also gave a statement to ESPN’s Malika Andrews about his decision to walk away from basketball.

“Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision,” Rose told ESPN. “Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family — they deserve that.”

“Derrick Rose and I talked a few days ago about his decision to retire from the NBA and start the next phase of his life with his family,” former Memphis and current Arkansas head coach John Calipari said in a statement.

“His decision was well thought out, and his concern for his family was evident. His appreciation of his long career and what it meant to him was heart felt. It also gave me a chance to thank him and let him know my appreciation for what he did for me and my family.

“He was always an unbelievable teammate, maybe the best I’ve ever coached. He was a coach’s dream, authentic and always trying to make it about other people, and that goes back to his high school days. He was shy and an introvert but one of the most competitive players with an unending will to win. He had one gear and anyone who played against him would know what I’m saying. The people that he touched along the way all have feelings for him because of his loyalty and quiet resolve. He and his family know my love and appreciation for them. I’m just happy I was able to be a small part and to enjoy the ride with him! And I’m here going forward!”

Ian Begley of SNY reported after the Grizzlies waived Rose that the organization actually let him out of his contract, indicating that he already had the next phase of his life, his plan in motion and mind made up on his next career move. He was originally set to earn $3.4 million during the 2024-25 campaign in the final year of his contract with the Grizzlies.

Rose began his career as the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA draft by his hometown team the Chicago Bulls. In no time he made his name and established himself as one of the most exciting players in the league, winning the 2009 Rookie of the Year award and earning three straight All-Star selections from 2010 to 2012.

In 2011, Rose became the youngest player in NBA history to win the coveted NBA MVP award after leading the Bulls to a league-best 62-20 record while averaging 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists across 81 out of a possible 82 games. Unfortunately, the good times did not last long and his career took a turn for the worst the following year when he suffered a devastating torn ACL.

Rose never fully recovered and was never the same after returning to the hardwood, as he never averaged 20 or more points or appeared in 70 games in a season following his knee injury. After leaving the ‘Windy City’, he bounced around the league with stops along the way with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.

In his first year in Memphis, Rose once again had to endure an injury-plagued year that saw him sidelined for chunks of time due to knee and hamstring issues. In total, he was limited to 24 games and averaged 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 16.6 minutes of action.

Despite the disappointing season, the 35-year-old said in April he intended to march on and continue his career. At the time, he assumed he would remain with the Grizzlies, but he added that he was motivated to bounce back.

“Yes, I’m coming back,” Rose said. “I talked to [general manager] Zach [Kleiman], I talked to coach. … This summer, it’s all about attacking my rehabs, my workouts and continuing to be disciplined.”

Then he came to grips with his NBA mortality.

Rose appears to have had a drastic change of heart, as he will now enjoy his time off the court with his loved ones in his retirement. He ends his career with averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 723 games played.

Rose will be remembered and thought of as one of the most athletic and exciting floor generals to grace the NBA stage, and many of his fans around the world are left wondering what his career could have been without his rash of unfortunate injuries.