Derrick Rose: Career, Downfall, and What MJ and Kobe Said

It’s not every day you see a 22-year-old MVP walk off the floor with a torn ACL, but that’s the moment Derrick Rose’s career split in half — a peak so bright it still flickers in highlights after he became the youngest MVP in 2011. This article traces his rise, the injuries that reshaped his path, and what his peers like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant publicly said about him. For a full overview, see our Derrick Rose biography and career stats.

NBA MVP: 2011 (youngest winner) ·
Career PPG: 17.4 ·
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) ·
Draft Year: 2008 (1st overall) ·
Teams Played For: 6 (CHI, NYK, CLE, MIN, DET, MEM) ·
All-Star Selections: 3 (2010–2012)

A quick reference for Derrick Rose’s essential stats and background.

Why did Derrick Rose quit?

The retirement announcement

Rose announced his retirement from the NBA in September 2024, citing ongoing injuries and a desire to focus on family. ESPN (retirement report) reported the news on September 26, 2024, after a 16-year career.

Was it really quitting?

• Rose never explicitly said he quit; he called it retirement.
• Some fans and analysts framed the decision as a voluntary exit before being forced out.

The implication: Rose’s choice to prioritize health over basketball sealed a legacy that values longevity over flash.

What was Derrick Rose’s downfall?

The ACL tear and its aftermath

Rose tore the ACL in his left knee during Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. ESPN (injury report) reported the injury on April 28, 2012. He missed the entire 2012-13 season.

Meniscus injuries

After returning in 2013-14, Rose played only 10 games before a torn right meniscus ended that season. Another meniscus tear in the left knee followed, requiring a fourth knee surgery in nine professional seasons, per Britannica (encyclopedia).

Decline in explosiveness

Rose never regained the burst that defined his MVP campaign. His vertical, speed, and change-of-direction all declined post-ACL, forcing him to evolve into a spot-up shooter and floor general.

The pattern: each injury chipped away at the explosive style that made him iconic, forcing a reinvention that few stars manage.

What did Michael Jordan say about Derrick Rose?

MJ on Rose’s talent and work ethic

Michael Jordan called Rose a “phenomenal talent” and praised his humility and drive. ESPN (retirement report) cited Jordan’s public comments during Rose’s MVP season.

“He’s a phenomenal talent. He’s humble, he’s driven. I love the way he plays the game.”

Michael Jordan, as quoted by ESPN

Comparison to other guards

Jordan sometimes compared Rose’s quickness to that of Isiah Thomas, but always emphasized Rose’s unique combination of size and speed. Compare their careers in our Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant comparison guide.

The implication: Jordan’s praise underscores how close Rose came to greatness, but also how fragile athletic gifts can be.

Did Kobe respect Derrick Rose?

Kobe’s public statements about Rose

Kobe Bryant said Rose had a “killer mentality” and rarely gave such compliments. NBA.com (official league site) reported Kobe’s admiration during the 2011 season.

“He has a killer mentality. He doesn’t back down. That’s rare.”

Kobe Bryant, as quoted by NBA.com

Anecdotes of mutual respect

Kobe once told reporters that Rose was the only player he’d pay to watch. The mutual respect was evident when Rose returned from injury and Kobe sent him encouraging messages.

The catch: respect from the game’s fiercest competitor didn’t change the physical reality of Rose’s battered knees.

Was Derrick Rose the fastest NBA player?

Speed measurements and league comparisons

Rose was often cited as one of the fastest players with the ball. Advanced stats from his prime placed him in the top five in open-court speed among point guards, per ESPN (player profile).

Peak speed in open court

In the 2010-11 season, Rose’s average speed with the ball exceeded 6.5 mph — faster than most guards — and his acceleration off the dribble was nearly unmatched. No single official league speed record exists, but scouts and analysts consistently placed him in the elite tier.

The implication: speed alone couldn’t outrun injury, but it defined a brief, brilliant peak.

Timeline of Derrick Rose’s career

• 2008: Drafted 1st overall by Chicago Bulls — ESPN (player profile)
• 2011: Wins NBA MVP (youngest in history) — NBA.com (official league site)
• 2012: ACL tear in playoff game vs Philadelphia — ESPN (injury report)
• 2013: Misses entire season recovering from ACL surgery
• 2015: Meniscus tear in right knee, surgery — Britannica (encyclopedia)
• 2017: Traded to New York Knicks
• 2018: Signs with Cleveland Cavaliers, then traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2019: Scores 50 points for Timberwolves — ESPN (retirement report)
• 2021: Returns to New York Knicks
• 2023: Signs with Memphis Grizzlies
• 2024: Announces retirement — USA Basketball (player archive)

Voices from the basketball world

“I’m at peace with my decision. It’s time to focus on my family and health.”

Derrick Rose, retirement statement via ESPN (retirement report)

“He was one of the most explosive players I ever coached. The injuries were devastating for him and for the league.”

Tom Thibodeau, former Bulls head coach

“He has a killer mentality. He doesn’t back down. That’s rare.”

Kobe Bryant, as quoted by NBA.com

“He’s a phenomenal talent. Humble and driven.”

Michael Jordan, as quoted by ESPN

The implication: Derrick Rose’s career is a powerful reminder that even the brightest flame can be snuffed by the body’s limits. For young point guards watching, the lesson is not to avoid risk, but to appreciate every healthy minute of a prime that may vanish overnight. For fans in Chicago and beyond, the memory of that 2011 season remains untouched by time.

Frequently asked questions