Derrick Rose called it quits after a 16-year NBA career this summer, requesting to be waived by the Memphis Grizzlies so he could walk off into the sunset on his own terms. Rose’s departure has been felt dearly by not only the fans, but also the players. Fadeaway World spoke to former Rose rival Russell Westbrook about his retirement, with the Nuggets point guard showering praise on the 2011 NBA MVP.
“D-Rose is like a brother of mine. We came into the Draft together, worked out together, I’ve talked to him since I was 16 and I am really happy to see he’s in a great place of peace and comfort for his family. He’ll go down as one of the greats and I am grateful to have been able to share the court with him… I’m just happy he’s in a great place.”
Former Eastern Conference rival Al Horford also shared his thoughts about Rose’s retirement to Fadeaway World, sharing heartfelt congratulations to Rose for his phenomenal NBA career with longevity that many didn’t expect he would have after injury struggles.
“Derrick Rose, just an unbelievable player. We had so many battles, I have so much respect for him. When he was in Chicago, he was just so special. I got to play against them in the Playoffs the year he won MVP and he was just unbelievable. It was beyond everybody else.”
“More than that, what impressed me was his poise and how good of a person he was. He would put fear in his competitors the way he attacked the court, the way he attacked you, he was relentless. Everything Chicago was about, that’s Derrick. I am just happy he had such a long career after the injuries, he continued to stay at it. I want to congratulate him for the amazing career he’s had.”
Rose played 15 seasons in the NBA and averaged 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his career. He was a three-time All-Star, one-time All-NBA selection, and is well-remembered for becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history when he beat LeBron James to the award in 2011 as a 22-year-old.
His career was in serious jeopardy at multiple points over his time in the NBA. He got drafted in 2008 with the Chicago Bulls using the No. 1 overall pick to bring the hometown boy back to the city after he played college basketball in Memphis. Just as Rose was entering his prime, he suffered various knee injuries.
Those injuries almost ended his career, but Rose persevered through them to have a very long career in the league by pivoting his game away from speed and athleticism to skill, touch, and even shooting.
The only question remaining about Rose’s career is if he’ll make it to the Basketball Hall of Fame one day. While his lack of longevity would suggest he wouldn’t be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, his past as an MVP winner and an influential basketball and pop cultural figure could be enough to have his name enshrined in basketball history.
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