Derrick Rose, Youngest NBA MVP and Three-Time All-Star Retires
Youngest MVP and three-time All-Star, Derrick Rose, has officially retired after an incredible NBA career that inspired countless fans and players around the world. Read more.
Derrick Rose, born on October 4, 1988, is a former professional basketball player who last played for the Memphis Grizzlies. The Chicago Bulls drafted him first overall in 2008, and he became the youngest NBA MVP in 2011. Throughout his career, injuries significantly impacted his playing time. Recently, he hinted at a major announcement on social media, sparking speculation about his retirement, which he confirmed on September 26, 2024. Rose's legacy includes being a three-time All-Star and an influential figure in basketball history.
Derrick Rose announced his retirement from the NBA through his Instagram account. He shared a photo of himself sitting at his desk, looking directly at the camera while holding a newspaper with the headline “Thank you, my first love.” In the post, he expressed gratitude to those who supported him through the “highs and lows,” who transformed the “court into a sanctuary,” and who taught him that “every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful.”
“Just trying to figure out my route, whether I wanted to stay or leave,” Derrick Rose had previously contemplated retirement after the New York Knicks declined his player option in 2023. Fortunately, the Memphis Grizzlies offered him a much-needed lifeline, giving him a year remaining on his minimum contract.
The player shocked the NBA world by requesting to be waived. Fans anticipated a return to an old franchise, a reunion with former teammates, or any outcome except the one they feared most. Yet, just moments ago, that feared scenario became reality.
Derrick Rose signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, with one year left, set to earn around $3.4 million for the 2024-25 season. However, at his request, the Grizzlies waived him, allowing Rose to pursue a new team, and forfeiting any remaining salary.
Rose's best season came in 2010-11 when he became the youngest MVP in NBA history at 22. Leading the Chicago Bulls to a franchise-record 62 wins, he averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His electrifying athleticism and scoring ability were key to the Bulls' success, highlighted by countless standout plays. Although injuries later impacted his career, that season remains a defining moment for both Rose and the Bulls.
During his 2010-11 MVP season, Rose faced immense pressure as the youngest MVP ever, with high expectations from fans, media, and teammates. The mental strain of maintaining high performance, coupled with concerns over the physical toll of his explosive playstyle, weighed heavily on him. Leading the Bulls into the playoffs as favorites only intensified the pressure. Sadly, this pressure culminated in a devastating ACL injury during the playoffs, which marked the beginning of a challenging period and changed the course of his NBA career.