There is no shortage of homages from basketball personalities after former NBA MVP's Derrick Rose decided to retire.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant led the current and former hoopers, coaches, and teams who paid tribute to Rose after his announcement.
[ALSO READ: Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announces basketball retirement: 'Thank you, my first love']
James took time to post a series of Instagram Stories showing his appreciation for Rose.
“Much love and respect Pooh. Salute!” the four-time NBA champion posted.
[Instagram | @kingjames]
He then added another tribute to his fierce competitor and later teammate with a goat emoji on top of a copy of Rose’s announcement of his retirement.
[Instagram | @kingjames]
Two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant also gave compliments to Rose, whom he also shared battles with from his early days with the Oklahoma City Thunder and D-Rose's time with the Chicago Bulls.
"One of the greatest to ever grace a court," said the Phoenix Suns superstar with a salute emoji. "Thank you for sharing your gifts to the world, can't wait to see what [you] got next."
Luol Deng, D-Rose's former teammate from the Bulls, also noted how the three-time NBA All-Star was able to impact many people across the world.
“You’ve inspired so many, my brother—higher calling. I know what comes next will have a significant impact. God's plan is driven by believing in your purpose.”
Current and former NBA players also showered Rose with flowers.
D Rose Forever a Legend🫡🌹
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) September 26, 2024
“1000%,” tweeted Rose ex-teammate and former Defensive Player of the Year awardee Jaren Jackson Jr. with a single rose emoji.
1000% 🌹 https://t.co/oP3lKPGVFc
— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) September 26, 2024
“My favorite superstar ever!! Realest that I’ve came across as a person,” two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas said.
My favorite superstar ever!! Realest that I’ve came across as a person. Forever one of 🐐 🌹🏁 https://t.co/ioQoknR1Vl
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 26, 2024
NBA champion and three-time DPOY winner Dwight Howard said: “Congrats on an amazing career, Rose. People don’t realize the average career of an NBA player is 4.5 years so for you to play 15 seasons despite what you went through with injuries shows how much of a fighter you were.”
Congrats on an Amazing Career Rose 💪🏾 people don’t realize the average career of an NBA player is 4.5 years so for you to play 15 seasons despite what you went through with injuries shows how much of a fighter you were ! Enjoy your retirement brother if you ever miss the court… pic.twitter.com/l70WQJ7oBf
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) September 26, 2024
Current University of Arkansas head coach John Calipari, D-Rose’s former college coach in Memphis, revealed how he and his former superstar guard talked about the latter’s decision to finally hang up his boots.
“Derrick Rose and I talked a few days ago about his decision to retire from the NBA and start the next phase of his life with his family. His decision was well thought out, and his concern for his family was evident. His appreciation of his long career and what it meant to him was heartfelt,” Calipari said.
“I’m just happy I was able to be a small part and to enjoy the ride with him! And I’m here going forward.”
Derrick Rose and I talked a few days ago about his decision to retire from the NBA and start the next phase of his life with his family. His decision was well thought out, and his concern for his family was evident. His appreciation of his long career and what it meant to him was…
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) September 26, 2024
All the seven teams that Rose played in the NBA in the Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and the Grizzlies also paid homage to their former player.
Just a kid from Chicago.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 26, 2024
Thank you for everything, @drose 🌹 pic.twitter.com/u3CCwhlfRe
The Garden’s Rose 🌹
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 26, 2024
Best of luck in your next chapter pic.twitter.com/44sWvo9ggL
Congrats, @drose, on a successful NBA career! pic.twitter.com/39TQZncg0M
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) September 26, 2024
thank you for all the memories, @drose 🌹 pic.twitter.com/QRRgPywPfO
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 26, 2024
Congrats, @drose, on your retirement and a great career. We appreciate your time as a Piston and thank you for being a great ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/FOKhlo65z6
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 26, 2024
We are grateful for your meaningful contributions to this team and this city, and wish you all the best in this next chapter of life. pic.twitter.com/Vc8QLv0c2I
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) September 26, 2024
