Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
NBA star Derrick Rose, who was the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft of his hometown Chicago Bulls and earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2011, announced his retirement on Sept. 26 via Instagram.
At just 22 years old, Rose became the youngest winner of the MVP award in NBA history, cementing his place in basketball history as a young and exceptional talent.
As the number one overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Rose arrived in the league with great fanfare, joining the Bulls. Standing at 6-foot-3, the point guard swiftly established himself as one of the NBA’s most electrifying young stars, captivating fans with a dynamic blend of athleticism and fearless playmaking.
In his rookie season, Rose demonstrated his rightful place in the NBA by averaging 16.8 points per game, shooting 47.5 percent from the field, distributing 6.3 assists per game (leading all rookies), and grabbing 3.9 rebounds.
He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and won the Rookie of the Year award. Furthermore, Rose led the Bulls back to the playoffs and scored 36 points in his debut against the Boston Celtics, underscoring his tremendous impact on the team in his inaugural season.
In 2008-09, Rose was named the Rookie of the Year and went on to be an All-Star for three consecutive seasons. In the 2010-11 season, he made history by becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, claiming the honor at 22 years old. That year, he averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game, guiding the Bulls to a league-best record of 62-20 before reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
Rose’s career took an unfortunate turn when he suffered an ACL injury in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. He missed the entire 2012-13 season and played only 10 games in 2013-14. After eight years with the Bulls, including a historic MVP award, Rose was traded to the New York Knicks during the 2016 offseason. Plagued by injuries, he became a journeyman during the latter half of his career.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Rose continued to exhibit flashes of MVP-caliber play throughout his career. He made headlines with a career-high 50-point performance for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz on Oct. 31, 2018, sparking tears of joy in the athlete.
In another display of his exceptional passing ability, he recorded a 12-assist game for the Detroit Pistons in a 115-107 triumph over the Houston Rockets on Dec. 14, 2019 – his first such feat in nearly eight years.
In a tweet, NBA Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade recognized Rose as an electrifying talent, stating, “One of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen. Appreciate everything you brought to the game, Drose.” Wade’s praise highlights Rose’s impact on the sport and his place in basketball history.
Malik Alexander, a junior sports media major from Dallas, Texas, expressed his sadness about Rose’s injury-plagued career, stating, “It’s very sad to see the downfall of a potential NBA MVP and future Hall of Famer. We need to celebrate his resilience, even after battling so many injuries.”
Alexander added, “His story serves as a valuable life lesson, reminding us that no matter what obstacles we face, we can overcome them with determination and perseverance.” Alexander stated.
Another Jackson State student shared the same sentiment.
Christopher Wright, a senior journalism and media studies major from Ensley, Ala., believes that basketball is not over for Rose.
“Although his playing days may be behind him, there are still opportunities for him to remain involved in the game. He could explore coaching, guiding players, and sharing his knowledge. There’s also the option of broadcasting, where he can provide insights and analysis,” Wright stated.
In his retirement announcement, he published a heartfelt letter online and a full-page newspaper ad in each of the cities where he played.
“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else was uncertain. You’ve guided me, assuring me that you’ll always be a part of me regardless of where life takes me,” said Rose.
Rose’s NBA career concluded with an average of 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 games, where he started in 518 games.
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