Former NBA MVP Derrick Rosa is taking it as a career — announcing his retirement in a candid social media post on Thursday.
“Thank you, My First Love…” Rose mentioned on Instagram. “You believed in me through the ups and downs, in my rightness when everything else seemed uncertain. You confirmed to me what love really meant.”
“You turned the courtroom into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely. You made every morning and night we spent together worth every drop of sweat.”
“You reminded me that I could always count on you, that in every second 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 many top 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, tearing his ACL in the 2012 playoffs.
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The 35-year-old thanked the game for introducing him to experiences he never could have imagined… which helped shape him into the person he is on and off the court.
“You stood by me even when the world stood against me, unconditionally, ready for me to take you,” 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 takes me.”
Rose’s farewell drew reactions from other NBA players, such as Kevin Durant, Isaiah Thomas and extra.
He finishes his career with averages of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds.
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