Photo credit: Derrick Rose

It’s a bittersweet moment for basketball fans as former NBA MVP Derrick Rose officially announces his retirement after an incredible 15-season career. He shared the news in a heartfelt social media post on September 26 (PH time).

Just days prior, Rose was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies after a brief season, where he played 24 games, averaging eight points and 3.3 assists. In a reflective video on Instagram titled "The Renascence 9.26.24," Rose left fans buzzing with curiosity about what’s next for the basketball legend.

Rose burst onto the scene as the top overall pick in 2008 and quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars. He clinched Rookie of the Year honors and, at just 22 years old, made history as the youngest MVP ever, leading the Chicago Bulls to a stunning 62-20 record and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. That season, he averaged an impressive 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game.

However, his journey took a dramatic turn when he suffered a devastating ACL injury in the first round of the 2012 playoffs. Since then, injuries have challenged his once-explosive game, but Rose never lost his passion for basketball.

After his time in Chicago, he played for several teams, including the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and finally the Grizzlies.

As he closes this chapter, Rose expressed his gratitude to the game that has been his "first love," leaving fans with a mix of nostalgia and admiration for a career filled with unforgettable moments. Thank you, D-Rose, for the memories!