Injury-plagued Derrick Rose, former MVP, retires from NBA

Sports

A ONE-time MVP known for his blinding speed, dynamic and explosive plays has decided to hang up his sneakers for good.

Derrick Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, took to social media to announce his retirement, ending a 16-year colorful NBA career that was slowed by nagging injuries.

“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,” Rose posted on Instagram.

Rose left the NBA as the youngest MVP in NBA history, copping the prestigious award when he was just 22 . He was the league’s rookie of the year in 2008-09 for the Bulls and won the MVP two seasons later.

Rose earned three All-Star selections in his first four seasons. He missed almost two full seasons after undergoing a major knee injury during the 2012 playoffs.

The injury prompted Rose to contemplate retirement but was able to get back on the court.

From the Bulls, Rose also suited up for New York, Detroit, Minnesota, Cleveland and Memphis. He spent last season with the Grizzlies, the city that he called home for his one season of college basketball.

“We are grateful for your meaningful contributions to this team and this city, and wish you all the best in this next chapter of life,” Memphis said in a statement

Rose averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 regular-season games. He averaged 21 points per game before the ACL tear 12 years ago, and 15.1 per game in the seasons that followed.

“The kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend,” the Bulls posted on social media after Rose announced his retirement on Thursday, along with a video of Rose’s highlights with the team.(CCM)