"I think Derrick Rose": When LeBron James endorsed Derrick Rose as 2011 NBA MVP after staggering season with Bulls
During his first season with the Miami Heat, LeBron James endorsed Derrick Rose as the NBA MVP for the 2010-11 season. James had won the honor in the previous two seasons, however, he cited Rose as his pick given his efforts for the Chicago Bulls clinching the first seed in the Eastern Conference. That year, the Heat clinched the second seed.
"I think [it's] Derrick Rose," James said in a pregame press conference. "What he's done for that team, with all the injuries they have and them being first in the Eastern Conference -- they're playing some really good basketball."
Rose was surprised to receive LeBron's endorsement and highlighted James' caliber for the honor in return.
"I'm speechless right now to tell you the truth," Rose said. "It means a lot, especially coming from a player like him, that won it two years in a row and could win it every year."
Derrick Rose won the award in the 2010-11 season, making him the youngest player to ever become the NBA MVP at 22 years old. That year, he averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. However, LeBron James and the Miami Heat defeated Rose and the Chicago Bulls 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals series.
Derrick Rose announces retirement
Ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season next month, Derrick Rose confirmed his retirement after 16 years in the league. Rose announced the news via a social media post and also placed ads in local newspapers of the six cities he played for during his NBA career. Namely, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Memphis.
"Thank You, My First Love," Rose wrote in a tribute to the game of basketball. "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.
"Forever yours, Derrick Rose."
Derrick Rose's NBA career has been one of the league's biggest "what if" narratives. Since his left knee ACL tear during the 2011-12 playoffs, the three-time NBA All-Star took a significant dip in his on-court efficiency and was constantly struggling with injuries.
Currently 35 years old, Rose highlighted in a statement to The Athletic that his next chapter will be about chasing dreams and showing the world who he is beyond basketball. He also acknowledged the 'what if' narrative, saying that wouldn't change it as it helped him find real joy.
“The next chapter is about chasing my dreams and sharing my growth. 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,” Rose said in the statement.
“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.”
Derrick Rose began his NBA career after being selected first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2009 NBA Draft and went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. He played his last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the 24 games he played in the 2023-24 season.