Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, recently announced his retirement in a heartfelt letter to the sport that shaped his life. In this letter, he reflected on the countless highs and lows of his 16-year professional career while ensuring that he left the game on his own terms.
Rose was drafted as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft, his hometown team. He quickly made his mark by winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2008-09 and the MVP award just two seasons later in 2011, achieving this remarkable feat at the young age of 22.
“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,” Rose expressed in his letter, which he shared online and also took out full-page ads in newspapers in all the cities where he played. He added, “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.”
Throughout his career, Rose faced significant challenges, especially after sustaining a devastating knee injury during the 2012 playoffs. This injury sidelined him for nearly two seasons and prompted him to reconsider his future multiple times due to subsequent injuries. Despite these adversities, Rose consistently found the strength to return to the court.
Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf praised Rose, stating he “represents the grit, resilience, and heart” of Chicago. “He’s one of the toughest and most determined athletes I’ve ever been around, constantly fighting through adversity that would have broken most,” Reinsdorf remarked. “Watching him grow from a Chicago Public League star to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history has been nothing short of an honor.”
Beyond the Bulls, Rose had stints with teams including New York, Detroit, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Memphis. He concluded his career with the Grizzlies, returning to the city where he played college basketball for one season. Reflecting on this homecoming, Rose shared, “It’s all full circle… it’s all love.”
In his final season, Rose participated in 24 games with the Grizzlies, and during this time, the franchise recognized his contributions and offered their best wishes for his future endeavors.
Over the years, Rose endured numerous knee surgeries and faced struggles with his ankle, leading him to take a step back during the 2017-18 season to consider his path. Statistically, he averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists across 723 regular-season games. Before his ACL tear a decade ago, he boasted an impressive average of 21 points per game, while following the injury, his scoring average dropped to 15.1.
Dwyane Wade, a Hall of Famer and former teammate, emphasized that “With D-Rose, it was never a question of his talent. It was always about his health. And when he was healthy, everyone saw all the talent.” Remarkably, Rose still showcased his elite abilities, notably scoring a career-high 50 points for Minnesota in 2018 in an emotional game and delivering a 12-assist performance for Detroit nearly eight years later.
His journey from rising basketball star to MVP was swift. Rose won the league’s skills challenge during the 2009 All-Star weekend, was named Rookie of the Year, and made a striking impression in his playoff debut with a 36-point game. Essentially, he transformed his challenging upbringing in Chicago into a story of triumph, clinching an Illinois state high school championship and later, the NBA MVP title just five years later.
As the Bulls remarked on social media, “The kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend,” sharing a nostalgic video of Rose’s highlights. His impact on the game, especially in Chicago, will always be remembered, as he leaves a lasting legacy behind.
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