76ers Veteran Salutes Derrick Rose After Big Announcement

After Derrick Rose announced his retirement, 76ers veteran Eric Gordon sent him a message.

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) controls the ball as Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

As Eric Gordon gears up for his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, he learned that one of his most notable competitors in the past was calling it a career.

Former Chicago Bulls MVP Derrick Rose has retired from the NBA.

As expected, Rose landed a lot of love from current and former players after making his big announcement. Gordon sent a message to the three-time All-Star on Thursday.

"Congrats to my boy [Derrick Rose],” he wrote on X. “Had an outstanding career. Glad to be part of ya journey since [high school]. All love bro!”

Congrats to my boy @drose. Had an outstanding career. Glad to be part of ya journey since (HS) @MeanstreetsEYB
All love bro!

— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) September 26, 2024

Gordon and Rose entered the NBA around the same time. In the draft where Rose went first-overall to the Bulls, Gordon was taken shortly after as he was selected seventh-overall to the LA Clippers.

It’s safe to say both players carved out solid careers for themselves. While Rose certainly had the biggest rise to prominence, earning Rookie of the Year honors right away and becoming an MVP within his first few seasons, Gordon has been a stellar contributor for his teams as well.

During his first stint with the Clippers, Gordon averaged 18 points on 38 percent shooting from deep. He went to New Orleans for five seasons and produced 15 points per game on 39 percent shooting from three.

Gordon’s stint with the Houston Rockets was his longest and he maintained similar production as his earlier days. In nearly 400 games for the Rockets, Gordon produced 16 points on 36 percent shooting from deep. Over the last two seasons, he had supporting roles in LA and Phoenix. Next year will mark his first opportunity to play for the 76ers.

As for Rose, his next move is unclear. While some players enter spaces close to the game after competing, the former MVP’s plans have not been revealed just yet.