Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau sends heartfelt message to Derrick Rose after retirement

15-year veteran NBA guard Derrick Rose hit basketball fans with a big retirement announcement on Thursday. The former Chicago Bulls star has announced the end of his professional playing career. Several stars, including Dwyane Wade, sent heartfelt messages to the point guard after his decision was announced. Former Bulls coach and 2024 New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau gave Rose another touching message.

Knicks coach gives Rose the utmost respect

Thibodeau’s detailed statement was posted on X (formerly) Twitter, via SNY’s Ian Begley:

“Congratulations to Derrick on his Hall of Fame career. Not only was he a great player, as I saw in his opponents’ eyes, but he is an even better person, teammate, husband and father. The true measure of a man is his ability to handle adversity – no one has done it better. Through it all – from the pressure of playing in his hometown to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, to dealing with injuries in three straight seasons – he stood his ground, never gave in and always came back.

“It was inspiring to see him grow and move forward no matter what.” He is and always will be a very special person. I will cherish our many fond memories together and look forward to watching his next chapter. I know it will be great and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement,” Tom Thibodeau wrote.

Derrick Rose has achieved several impressive feats during his NBA career, many of them during his time with the Bulls. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, won the league MVP award in 2010-11, made the All-NBA First Team (2010-11), and was a three-time All-Star ( 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12).

As Thibodeau mentioned, Rose has dealt with numerous injuries. Yet he returned to health and became a strong contributor to five teams aside from the Bulls, including the Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.

In his retirement statement, Derrick Rose said his next chapter will be about chasing his dreams and sharing his growth. It will be exciting to see what awaits him in his future projects.