Grizzlies’ Derrick Rose Won’t Retire From NBA

Memphis Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose told NBA reporters today (4/15) that he plans to play next season. 

Rose only played in 24 games this season, so some people thought he would retire. 

Derrick Rose on his future with the Grizzlies next season: "Yes, I'm coming back."

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) April 15, 2024

Rose averaged 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season while shooting 46.1% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 88.9% from the free-throw line. 

The Grizzlies signed Rose to a two-year, $6.5 million contract last summer. Rose will make $3.4 million next season.

A Memphis product, Rose has undergone eight total surgeries on his body. The Chicago native has played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks (twice), Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Grizzlies. 

Rose has career averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He has made three All-Star teams and one All-NBA team. Rose also won the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year Award and the 2010-11 MVP Award. He’s the youngest MVP in NBA history. 

On Halloween in 2018, Rose scored a career-high 50 points against the Utah Jazz and cried during his postgame interview since he had been through a lot since winning MVP. LeBron James, who was in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018-19, called Rose a “superhero” following the 50-point game.

“I think every kid that — you don’t have to play sports — any kid that’s going through anything in life about adversity and triumph and trying to just get over the hump, you can look at that performance by Derrick Rose tonight,” LeBron said. “And that’s why our game is so unbelievable because even when a superhero is knocked down, he’s still a superhero at the end of the day and Derrick Rose showed why he’s still a superhero.”

The Grizzlies went 27-55 this season. They were last in the NBA in points per game.

Superstar point guard Ja Morant played in only nine games in 2023-24. He’s expected to be ready for training camp next season following shoulder surgery.