Derrick Rose officially entered Chicago Bulls lore as the fifth player to have his jersey retired by the team, taking his place in the rafters with legends Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love, and Jerry Sloan.
Chicago celebrated one of its greatest sons on Sunday, January 25 (PH time).
Former NBA MVP and hometown hero Derrick Rose had his no. 1 jersey raised to the rafters of the United Center, joining the legendary numbers like that of Michael Jordan (23) and Scottie Pippen (33).
For Rose, the moment was more than an honor—it was a full-circle celebration of a journey that began as a young boy who grew up in Englewood neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side.
“This journey was never about me. Right from the jump, it was about creating a synergy that somehow people from the city can pull from. And somehow, I was that beacon or that vessel for the movement,” Rose said.
And from an explosive 20-year-old guard who burst into the league to the more mature 37-year-old version of himself, Rose bared his story was never about himself.
“It was about everyone who found ways to come to my games. Somehow, there was a connection, a vibration between us. It was always meant to be,” he added.
The day carried an extra spark as the Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics in a thrilling game highlighted by Kevin Huerter’s go-ahead triple, adding to the emotion of seeing the franchise immortalize one of its most iconic players.
[RELATED: Bulls honor Derrick Rose with victory over Boston after Huerter’s game-winner]
Former teammates Taj Gibson and Luol Deng shared their memories on stage, while coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t mince words about Rose’s legacy.
“The next stop, in my opinion, is the Hall of Fame - and there is no doubt about that,” he said as the crowd erupted.
Sending Rose his flowers
Before Rose’s jersey was raised to the rafters, Jordan and Pippen also sent their messages of congratulations, joining current players who also paid tribute to the franchise icon.
“Derrick, congratulations on the retirement of your jersey. Very happy for you. You have an unbelievable career. You really represented the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls, your family, and yourself very, very well. I'm very proud of you and very happy for your special night. Looking forward to coming to the United Center and seeing your jersey hanging up there with my jersey," Jordan said in a video message.
“You represent what it means to be a Chicago Bull. Thank you for believing in this city. Thank you for giving everything you had, and thank you for inspiring the next generation. Once a Bull, always a Bull. Congratulations, my brother. Come on up with me,” Pippen bared.
Fifteen years after making history as the youngest MVP, Rose’s legacy in Chicago feels timeless.
He may not have hoisted an NBA title, but the city embraced him anyway—forever a Bull, forever part of its soul.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.