Derrick Rose, former Knicks star and NBA MVP, retires from basketball

NBA star Derrick Rose announced the end of his illustrious hoops career on Thursday. The former No. 1 overall pick and association MVP, who turns 36 next week, revealed his retirement in a post to Instagram.

Rose’s career in the association began when he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls, earning Rookie of the Year honors that season. He was previously considered the prize of coach John Calipari’s recruiting class at the University of Memphis, where he led the Tigers to the National Championship game in his only college season.

The slashing point guard’s hoops success further blossomed in the NBA, where he played for the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and most recently the Memphis Grizzlies, in addition to the Bulls.

Rose was a three-time All-Star in Chicago and his Bulls teams were perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference. He was voted league MVP after the 2010-11 season, during which he averaged a career-high 25 points per game, to go along with 7.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds.

He tore his ACL the following season and missed the entire 2012-13 campaign. Though he never returned to All-Star form, he became a key cog for a number of teams — including New York.

Rose was traded to the Knicks prior to the 2016-17 season and though he lasted just one year there, he would return to the Big Apple for three more seasons from 2020-2023. He played in 24 games with the Grizzlies last season.

For his career, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.

He penned an open love letter to the sport on Instagram on Thursday morning.

“Thank you, my first love…You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else 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 rely on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I’m capable of,” Rose wrote on Instagram.

“You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined. You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful. You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance. You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that i pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play. You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up. You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days. You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.”