Three-time NBA All-Star Derrick Rose shocked the NBA world with his retirement announcement on Thursday morning after playing 15 seasons in the league. Despite having a year left in his two-year, $6.6 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, Rose has opted to hang up his boots. Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and messages for the 2011 NBA MVP.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Grizzlies granted Rose’s request to release him and waived him from the team. Last season, Rose averaged 16.6 minutes per game, contributing 8 points and 3.3 assists for the Grizzlies in 24 games.
On Wednesday, Rose posted a video on Instagram with the caption, “The Renascence 9.26.24,” followed by two other posts, including a love letter to basketball. In his official retirement statement, he wrote, “Whether good or bad, everyone has a ‘what if’ story. Even if I could, I wouldn’t change anything in mine, because it’s what helped me find real joy.”
The 2009 Rookie of the Year played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. Many fans reacted to his retirement announcement and claimed Rose should’ve retired at the Bulls, where he won all his NBA honors.
Fans Demand Derrick Rose’s Jersey To Be Retired By The Chicago Bulls
While many wanted to see Derrick Rose ending his NBA career at the Chicago Bulls, it remains another ‘What If’ in his case. However, one thing that could be done is to retire his Bulls jersey, and the fans are demanding the same on social media. The Chicago Bulls also took to X and reacted to Rose’s retirement announcement.
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A fan even started a poll: “Should the Bulls give Derrick MVP Rose a one-day contract to retire as a Chicago Bull?” While injuries plagued the youngest-ever NBA MVP winner’s career, he was a dominant force in his early years. It will be fascinating to see if the Bulls respond to the fans’ wishes.
