'Windy City Assassin' Derrick Rose calls time on 16-year NBA career: Reports
Hours after sending social media into a tizzy with a cryptic post on X, former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has announced retirement from basketball after 16 years in the league. League insider Shams Charania took to X in the early hours in the country to report the latest development.
In his tweet, Charania said that Rose was calling time on his illustrious career.
"After 15 NBA seasons, Derrick Rose is retiring from basketball. Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, tells @TheAthletic : "The next chapter is about chasing my dreams and sharing my growth."
Rose has enjoyed a decorated career in the league as a 1x MVP, and a 3x NBA All-star. and also took home the 'Rookie of the Year' honors after he was drafted as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2008. Three seasons later, he won the MVP with the side becoming the youngest player in the league to bag the silverware.
The retirement announcement comes days after the Memphis Grizzlies waived the once-explosive guard upon his request. He played just 24 games last season averaging 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 16.6 minutes on the floor.
"I feel confident in my decision": Derrick Rose explains his decision to retire
The guard, speaking to ESPN soon after calling time on his run said it was the right time to make the decision.
"Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision. Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it's important that I give my all to my family -- they deserve that."
Earlier in April, Rose had stated that he was suiting up for another season with the Grizzlies. He had said that he "was coming back" and the focus remained on "attacking rehabs, workouts and continuing to be disciplined." It's no secret that his career was riddled with injuries and hampered his progress to the top. He has been part of five franchises throughout his career.
Derrick Rose ended his career averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 contests he laced up for, including 518 starts. He played just 77 games over the last three seasons, including 24 in his lone stint with in Memphis, the city where he played a key role on a college team that made it to the 2008 national championship game. Rose will now go down as one of the greatest ever to have played the game.