(670 The Score) Bulls icon Derrick Rose announced his retirement Thursday morning after a 16-year NBA career.
Rose, who’s 35, revealed the news via social media and by putting ads in local newspapers of the cities of the NBA teams he played for. Rose shared his news in part by writing a letter to the game of basketball.
“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,” Rose wrote.
“You told me it’s OK to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.”
A Chicago native who led Simeon to two state titles in high school, Rose was selected by his hometown Bulls at No. 1 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and then became the youngest MVP in NBA history when he won that honor in 2011 at age 22. Rose still remains the youngest MVP winner in league history. He averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists that season while leading the Bulls to an NBA-best 62-20 record and a trip to the Eastern Conference finals.
Rose was a three-time All-Star. He career was derailed by a series of knee injuries, the first being when he tore the ACL in his left knee in the playoffs in 2012.
“Drafting Derrick in 2008 was a special moment, not just for the Bulls organization, but for Derrick, the kid from Chicago, realizing his dream of playing for his hometown team,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “As both a player and a person, Derrick represents the grit, resilience and heart of this city. He’s one of the toughest and most determined athletes I’ve ever been around, constantly fighting through adversity that would have broken most. Watching him grow from a Chicago Public League star to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history as a Bull has been nothing short of an honor. Every time Derrick stepped on the court, it felt like we had a chance to win, and his MVP season remains one of the proudest moments in this franchise’s storied history.
“I wish Derrick all the best in his retirement, knowing he’ll enjoy this next chapter with his family. He will always be a part of our Bulls family, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the United Center to celebrate his incredible journey among his hometown fans.”
Rose played for the Bulls from 2008 to 2016, when he was traded to the Knicks. He also had stints with the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons and Grizzlies. Rose was recently waived by Memphis.
“The next chapter is about chasing my dreams and sharing my growth,” Rose told The Athletic. “I believe true success comes from becoming who you were created to be, and I want to show the world who I am beyond basketball.
“Whether good or bad, everyone has a ‘What if’ story in their life. Even if I could, I wouldn’t change anything in mine, because it’s what helped me find real joy.”