CHICAGO – Derrick Rose is still coming to terms with the announcement that his No. 1 jersey will be retired by the Chicago Bulls during the upcoming season. The former MVP and Chicago native will join a select group of Bulls legends whose numbers have been retired, including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love.
Team president Michael Reinsdorf conveyed the news to Rose in person, stating that no player will ever don the No. 1 jersey again, except possibly if Rose’s son PJ plays for the team in the future. Recently retired after a distinguished 16-year career in the NBA, Rose was already set to be honored during the Bulls’ game against the New York Knicks later that evening. The team has mentioned that additional details regarding the jersey retirement ceremony will be disclosed soon.
Rose emphasized that the night was not solely about his jersey being retired but rather an opportunity to express gratitude to everyone who played a part in his journey, highlighting the blend of challenges and triumphs along the way. He reflected on the unique blend of tough love that characterizes Chicago and expressed a desire to show appreciation for that love amidst the challenges he faced. “It’s celebrating everyone,” he remarked.
The Bulls’ chairman, Jerry Reinsdorf, described Rose as both a local hero and a representative of a significant era in Bulls history.
During the celebration, the Bulls debuted the “Derrick Rose Experience” at the United Center, which features various memorabilia that captures the essence of his career. Both the Bulls and Knicks players donned shirts with “1.4.25,” a tribute to significant dates and numbers associated with Rose, including his time at Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy. Fans were given black T-shirts adorned with a red rose, and multiple tributes to Rose were planned throughout the game.
At halftime, Rose received a heartfelt welcome with chants of “MVP! MVP!” while a highlight video showcased his impressive career. He sat beside his mother, Brenda, and became emotional when former teammate Joakim Noah praised his dedication to the city and called him the “people’s champ.” Another video, narrated by PJ, presented additional reflections before Rose addressed the cheering audience.
Tom Thibodeau, who coached Rose during his prime years with the Bulls and later with the Knicks and Timberwolves, praised him for what he has meant to Chicago, the Bulls, and the NBA overall. Thibodeau noted that Rose’s impact on the game was evident in the respect and fear he inspired in opponents, labeling him one of the league’s most cherished players and advocating for his place in the Hall of Fame.
Drafted first overall in the 2008 NBA draft, Rose’s rise was meteoric, capturing Rookie of the Year honors, becoming an All-Star, and winning the MVP award within his first three seasons—still the youngest player to have achieved that accolade at just 22 years old. However, a severe knee injury during the 2012 playoffs sidelined him for nearly two full seasons and led him to second-guess his future in the sport multiple times due to subsequent injuries.
Over his career, Rose averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists across 723 regular-season games. Notably, he averaged 21 points per game prior to his ACL injury and 15.1 points afterward. Despite reflecting on his career, Rose emphasized that he does not dwell on what could have been had he not faced those injuries. He stated, “I stopped having those conversations years ago,” acknowledging that his dedication to the game allowed him to discover his true identity and self-worth. He recognizes that every player’s journey is unique, noting how he has rolled with the punches throughout his own path in sports.
