Grizzlies show love to retired D-Rose's in Media Day

A week after he hung up his sneakers and walked away from the game for good, Derrick Rose's presence resonates in his last NBA team, the Memphis Grizzlies.

During the Grizzlies' media availability day of the 2024-25 season, Desmond Bane detailed the important role that Rose played for the young team. He revealed that Rose intends to stick around Memphis now that he is retired and consult players.

"We're gonna miss him," Bane said Monday at FedExForum. "He'll be around. He's sticking around Memphis, so I'm happy for him. Super proud of him. But, yeah, I'm excited to see him and still be able to pick his ear here and there."

Rose's bittersweet exit in Memphis

The retirement of the 2011 MVP sent shockwaves in the Grizzlies organization and throughout the Association.

Less than two weeks before the training camp, Memphis released D-Rose from their roster. This release was reportedly facilitated in collaboration with the 35-year-old Rose. Upon his exit from the franchise, Derrick generously surrendered his $3.3MM salary for the 2024-25 season to the team.

Days after he was waved, the wondering of the entire basketball community about the future of the former league MVP ended as Rose announced that he was officially retiring, concluding his 15-year run in the NBA to focus on the next chapter of his life.

Appreciate the legend

Although he only played a single season for Memphis, D-Rose eventually established himself as a standout figure in the eyes of every single person within the organization. He averaged 8 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 boards in 24 games last season for Memphis and took on a veteran role for the team.

D-Rose served as one of the motivational voices to help Ja Morant redeem himself from his past troubles.

"It was tough to hear Derrick retire from this game," Marcus Smart stated about the three-time All-Star . "Everything he brought to this game, to this league, and to us for the time we were able to spend with him was very, very influential for us."

"We take it, we appreciate and say thank you to Derrick," Smart added.

Related: Marcus Smart Gets Brutally Honest on Celtics Winning Championship Without Him