Chicago Bulls Retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 Jersey in Emotional Ceremony
The Chicago Bulls hosted an emotional ceremony to retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey, following their narrow 106-103 victory against the Boston Celtics. This significant event took place on Saturday night, marking a pivotal moment for both the franchise and the player.
Derrick Rose’s Legacy
Derrick Rose, who retired from professional basketball in 2024, has become the fifth player in Chicago Bulls history to have his jersey retired. He joins an esteemed group that includes:
- Jerry Sloan – No. 4
- Bob Love – No. 10
- Michael Jordan – No. 23
- Scottie Pippen – No. 33
During his eight seasons with the Bulls, Rose was the overall No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He quickly made a name for himself, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2008-09 and being selected for three All-Star games. In 2011, he became the youngest player in history to win the MVP award at just 22 years and 7 months old.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Several former teammates, including Luol Deng, spoke at the ceremony, expressing their admiration and love for Rose. Emotional highlights included video tributes from current NBA stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As Rose addressed the sold-out crowd, he honored his family and fans who had braved the cold to attend the event.
In a show of solidarity, a black T-shirt with Rose’s name and number was placed on every seat in the arena. Bulls players wore these shirts during their pre-game warm-ups, further underscoring the tribute.
Rose’s Impact on the City
Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf articulated the organization’s desire to honor Rose in a meaningful way. He noted that while a championship wasn’t achieved during Rose’s tenure, the impact he made on the city was profound. Reinsdorf stated, “Derrick, he’s Chicago-born. He’s one of us. He was playing for the city, the city that he grew up in and that he loved and he cared so much about.”
Rose’s influence and connection to Chicago were celebrated throughout the event, solidifying his legacy as a cherished figure in the history of the Chicago Bulls.
