On Thursday, September 26, Derrick Rose officially announced his retirement from basketball, marking the end of an era. Rose, who holds the record as the youngest NBA player to win the MVP award at just 22 years old, earned the accolade during the 2010-2011 season with the Chicago Bulls. Drafted as the first overall pick in 2008, Rose also claimed the Rookie of the Year award in the 2008-2009 season.
Rose captivated the basketball world with his extraordinary talent and potential, but his career was plagued by injuries that limited his achievements. Fans often reflect on what could have been for the Chicago native had he not been injury-prone.
During his prime, Rose was a three-time All-Star and won the Skills Challenge during the 2009 All-Star Weekend. His MVP season saw him outvote Dwight Howard and LeBron James, as he carried the Bulls to their best record since Michael Jordan’s era with a 62-20 finish. He became just the fifth player in NBA history to record 2,000+ points, 600+ assists, and 300+ rebounds in a single season.
However, his ascent was abruptly halted when he tore his ACL during the 2012 playoffs. The injury caused him to miss the entire 2013-2014 season, and Rose was never able to replicate his MVP form. In 2016, he was traded to the New York Knicks, marking the beginning of a journeyman phase of his career.
One of the most memorable moments in Rose’s later career came in October 2018, when he scored a career-high 50 points in an emotional game against the Utah Jazz. This performance rekindled memories of his early potential and left fans contemplating the “what ifs” of his injury-plagued journey.
During his career, the Chicago-born player suited up for the Bulls, Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Grizzlies. His retirement marks the end of a legacy that, despite its setbacks, left an indelible impact on the NBA and its fans.
