Chicago Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose’s Iconic No. 1 Jersey
In a move that has fans buzzing with excitement and nostalgia, the Chicago Bulls have announced that they will retire Derrick Rose‘s No. 1 jersey next season. This announcement, made on a Saturday, marks a significant moment for both the team and its fans, as Rose’s legacy is cemented in the annals of Bulls history.
For those who have followed Rose’s career, this honor is a fitting tribute to a player who has been an integral part of the Bulls’ story. A Chicago native, Rose played eight seasons with the Bulls, and during his time with the team, he became the youngest MVP in NBA history. His journey from the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA draft to Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, and then to MVP in 2011, is a testament to his talent and determination.
The Bulls made the announcement official with a tweet, stating, “OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls. Number 1 will always be from Chicago.” This statement not only highlights Rose’s impact on the team but also his connection to the city itself.
In a recent sit-down interview with ESPN, Rose expressed his desire to see his jersey hanging from the rafters at the United Center. “I would love that,” Rose shared. “That’s more me if they would do it.” His words reflect a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as a connection to the city that has supported him throughout his career.
Interestingly, no Bulls player has worn Rose’s iconic No. 1 in a game since he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2016. Although the number was issued to Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow, both players switched to different numbers after fan backlash, underscoring the number’s significance to the fanbase.
Throughout his career, Rose accumulated 12,573 points and 3,770 assists in 723 games over 15 seasons. Besides his time with the Bulls, he also played for the Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies. His journey through the league has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, but his impact on the game remains undeniable.
To put this honor into perspective, the Bulls have only retired four numbers in their franchise history: Jerry Sloan’s No. 4, Bob Love’s No. 10, Michael Jordan’s No. 23, and Scottie Pippen‘s No. 33. Additionally, they have banners honoring former coach Phil Jackson and former general manager Jerry Krause. Rose’s inclusion in this elite group speaks volumes about his contributions to the team and the sport.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, the Bulls are hosting Derrick Rose Night during Saturday’s game against the Knicks. Both teams will don shooting shirts honoring Rose during pregame warmups, and the team will unveil the Derrick Rose Atrium Experience, showcasing unique memorabilia from Rose’s illustrious career.
Reflecting on the significance of having his number retired, Rose said, “That would be my way of getting close to the Top 75, and I’m only saying that because it relates to the MVP. It’s only a handful, a small group that got that trophy back there. And to think that way of playing, the Chicago way of playing, is not in that 75, it makes you think about it a little bit or question it a little bit.”
As fans and the basketball community prepare to celebrate Derrick Rose’s legacy, this jersey retirement serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he has left on the game and the city of Chicago. It’s a moment that not only honors his past achievements but also solidifies his place in the history of the sport.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
