NBA star dubbed 'this generation's Michael Jordan' announces shock retirement
A NBA star dubbed 'this generation's Michael Jordan' has announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Selected as the first pick in the 2008 Draft, the former Chicago Bulls man went on to win MVP in 2011, during a seven-season stint with the side.
A series of injuries around the back end of his career halted progress, with the 35-year-old announcing his decision to end his career on Thursday.
Taking to social media, the news has been met with sadness given the sheer talent he showed during his time in the NBA.
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In a statement posted to his 1.8 million Instagram followers, Derrick Rose declared basketball his 'first love', writing: "You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.
"You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely."
In a further statement shared by The Athletic, he added: "The next chapter is about chasing my dreams and sharing my growth.
"I believe true success comes from becoming who you were created to be, and I want to show the world who I am beyond basketball.
"Whether good or bad, everyone has a "What if" story in their life. Even if I could, I wouldn't change anything in mine, because it's what helped me find real joy."
Once dubbed a young MJ, the former Bulls star operated in the same position as the now 61-year-old across his career.
Bleacher Report talked up his credentials by making comparisons to Jordan back in 2012 but Rose never really reached the heights expected of him.
Rose played the final season of his career with the Memphis Grizzles and has made the announcement to leave the sport despite still having one year left on his contract.
Having agreed to terminate the deal, it remains to be seen what the former point guard will now do following his retirement.
Back in 2011, Rose became the youngest-ever MVP, averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists per game, aged just 22.
In the first round of the 2012 playoffs, the talented star tore his anterior cruciate ligament, which kickstarted a raft of injury problems.
Having been traded to the Knicks in 2016, he then moved on to the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, back to the Knicks, and then the Grizzlies.
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA
Matthew Holt