"Prime D-Rose will always be a legend": NBA fans emotional after Derrick Rose calls time on his 16-year NBA career

The NBA world was plunged into torrential shock and emotion after Derrick Rose called time on his 16-year career. The 2011 MVP, who plied his trade for five different teams in the league announced his decision in the early hours of Thursday morning. The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news, sending social media into a tizzy.

One of the fans called Rose a legend.

"The end of an era! Prime D-Rose will always be a legend, even if it was cut too short."

More responses poured in. @playmaker called him a generational talent.

@deonjoelpolo tweeted:

"no matter what team you rooted for, everyone was a Derrick Rose fan."

@2k_99 wrote

"Drose forever the face of Chicago basketball i started learning about basketball through 2k13 where Derrick Rose was on the cover Rose helped me fall in love with the game of basketball if this is the end it was one hell of a ride that im happy to have witnessed 🙏🤞"

@lovelani added:

"Derrick Rose, the player that made me fall in love with basketball is retiring today. For all that you gave to the game, I feel it owed you so much more. heartbroken, but forever grateful to have witnessed you on the court 😢❤️ wishing you all the best, Derrick."

Questions about Rose's future in the NBA started coming in when the guard asked to be waived by the Memphis Grizzlies after suiting up for them for just one season. A decision was expected to be made in a week, but the prolific guard made the retirement days just a couple of days later.

Earlier, he took to social media to share a cryptic post and fans were already speculating a potential retirement message coming in. The news now is official as Rose has finally retired from basketball.

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"Important that I give all to my family": Derrick Rose on his retirement decision

Speaking to ESPN upon announcing his retirement, Derrick Rose shed light on the decision. He announced his decision and added:

"Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision. Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it's important that I give my all to my family -- they deserve that."

Per the site, he also took out pages in the local newspapers of the six NBA franchises he played for — Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, and Memphis as a way to thank each fanbase. He played eight years for the Bulls. He now ends his illustrious career averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 games.