Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau paid tribute to the career of Derrick Rose on Thursday in a statement released by the team after the veteran NBA guard announced his retirement earlier in the day.
Rose, 35, thanked local fans in a social media post Thursday morning, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Commercial Appeal, Detroit Free Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Minneapolis Star Tribune. The company announced its decision to run a full-page advertisement. In the cities where he played.
Thibodeau, who coached Rose in Chicago, Minnesota and New York, congratulated Rose on a “Hall of Fame career” in a lengthy statement.
“Not only was he a great player in the eyes of his opponents, he was an even better teammate, husband and father.” Thibodeau said. “The true measure of a man is how well he handles adversity. No one has been more successful. From the pressure of playing in his hometown to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history to three straight seasons of injuries. Through it all, he stood tall, never gave up, and always came back.
“It has been inspiring to watch him grow and move forward no matter what. He is and always will be a very special person. I look forward to seeing his next chapter. I know it will be great and I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Rose was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and made history in 2011 when he became the youngest player in league history to win the league MVP award at the age of 22.
He was selected to the All-Star Game three times during his career.
Although he was a star on the court, knee injuries hampered him throughout his NBA career.
In comments following the news of her retirement, Rose said she wanted to focus on her family in the next chapter of her life.
