Derrick Rose, who is set to have his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls in the upcoming season, has expressed his hesitance regarding the idea of having a statue dedicated to him. In a recent interview with ESPN, Rose shared his appreciation for the honor of having his No. 1 jersey retired but voiced concerns about the quality of statues being created, referencing the recently unveiled statue of Dwyane Wade, which has received considerable public skepticism.
While Wade has laughed off the negative reactions to his statue, Rose appears to want to avoid a similar situation. He humorously urged Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and team president Michael Reinsdorf to forego the statue idea, clearly more focused on the honor of his jersey retirement. “Jerry, no statue, bro. Please, Michael, no statue,” he said, while expressing gratitude for his jersey retirement.
Rose’s journey with the Bulls began when he was drafted first overall in 2008. He made an impressive impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2009 and being named the league MVP in 2011. During his time in Chicago, he earned All-Star selections for three consecutive years. After leaving the Bulls in 2016, Rose continued his career with various teams before retiring in 2024.
In celebration of Rose’s legacy, the Bulls are hosting “Derrick Rose Night” during an upcoming game against the New York Knicks. Both teams will don warmup shirts paying tribute to Rose, and an atrium featuring memorabilia from his time with the Bulls will be unveiled. The franchise’s decision to retire his number cements Rose’s significant contributions to the team’s history, joining the ranks of other Bulls legends.
The recognition of Rose’s contributions serves as a hopeful reminder of the impact athletes can have on their teams and cities. His wish for jersey retirement reflects the importance of legacy in sports and the pride of representing Chicago.
Overall, this news highlights the celebration of a player’s career and the enduring connection between athletes and their teams, a bond that can inspire future generations.