Derrick Rose retiring from basketball

After days of speculation and wondering about what would be next in his career after his unexpected exit from the Memphis Grizzlies, Derrick Rose has officially hung his sneakers.

Rose informed Shams Charania of The Athletic that he plans to retire from the game after a 15-season run in the NBA.

"The next chapter is about chasing my dreams and sharing my growth. I believe true success comes from becoming who you were created to be, and I want to show the world who I am beyond basketball,” Rose said in his statement.

"Whether good or bad, everyone has a 'what if' story in their life. Even if I could, 1 wouldn't change anything in mine, because it's what helped me find real joy."

Unsuccessful stint in Memphis

On Monday, the Grizzlies surprised the league after it was reported that they'll be waiving Rose. Rose joined the team in last year's offseason on a two-year, $6.5 million deal. According to sources, Rose himself voluntarily requested the move.

What's even more shocking about Rose's departure from the franchise is that the veteran guard generously surrendered his $3.3MM salary for the 2024-25 season, giving Memphis a major cap relief for future roster use.

Amid Ja Morant's frequent absences, Rose didn't play much last season for the Grizzlies after enduring multiple injuries. In 24 games (7 starts), he tallied 8.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 rebounds. Yet despite all of these, the 2023-24 campaign was fulfilling for the ex-NBA star as it allowed him to reunite with the city after being its college star for the Memphis Tigers 17 years ago.

Iconic career

The writing was on the wall when Rose posted a viral cryptic video on his official Instagram account last Wednesday, stirring mixed reactions from NBA fans.

As such, we can only bid a bittersweet farewell to one of the most iconic players of this era. Rose, who won the 2010-11 MVP and cemented his legacy as the award's youngest winner, still inspiringly pushed through adversities upon enduring a devastating downfall from injuries.

He played for six different NBA franchises but was notable for his superstar days with the Chicago Bulls. He registered a career average of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 boards across 723 games.

Throughout his basketball career, Rose also earned three NBA All-Star selections, was named to the 2011 All-NBA First Team, was the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year, and won two FIBA World Cup gold medals while representing the United States.

Memphis ended up being both the beginning and the end of D-Rose’s basketball career.

Related: Ja Morant Had 2-Emoji Reaction After Grizzlies Signed Derrick Rose