In a shocking turn of events, heading into the new season, NBA veteran Derrick Rose has officially announced his retirement.
On Wednesday, Rose posted on Instagram a cryptic video of what many believed to be a hint at him retiring. For those who guessed that, you all are correct.
In the early hours of Thursday, the 35-year-old announced on Instagram that he is retiring after 16 years in the league.
He wrote almost a love letter to the game of basketball, what it meant to him, and what it has done for his life.
While Rose is seen as one of the NBA’s biggest what-ifs due to his ACL injury in his prime years with the Chicago Bulls, he still had an undoubtedly incredible career. He was the youngest MVP winner at 22, a two-time FIBA Gold Medalist, Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, and All-NBA First Team.
Memphis has granted Rose’s request to be released from his contract, which officially means he will not play for them in the upcoming season. He has most definitely retired.