Former NBA MVP Derrick Rosa is calling it a career — announcing his retirement in a heartfelt social media post on Thursday.
“Thank you, My First Love…” Rose said on Instagram. “You believed in me through the ups and downs, my constant when everything seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant.”
“You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely. You made every early morning and late night we spent together worth every drop of sweat.”
“You reminded me that I could always count on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I was capable of.”
Rose was Memphis’ No. 1 overall pick in 2008… and quickly became one of the league’s best players. He earned Rookie of the Year honors and was the youngest MVP in league history after earning the nod at age 22 in 2011.
Unfortunately, Rose — who played for his hometown team the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies — has been plagued by injuries throughout his career… most notably a torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs.
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The 35-year-old thanked the sport for providing him with experiences he could never have imagined… which helped shape him into the man he is on and off the court.
“You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up,” he added.
“You gave me a gift, our time together, a gift I will cherish for the rest of my days.”
“You told me it was okay to say goodbye, assuring me that you would always be a part of me, no matter where life took me.”
Rose’s farewell drew reactions from other NBA players, such as Kevin Durant, Isaiah Thomas and more.
He finishes his career with averages of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds.