Derrick Rose, the former Chicago Bulls star, is set to have his jersey number 1 retired by the team during the upcoming 2025 season. While Rose expresses excitement about this honor, he holds reservations regarding the idea of a statue in his likeness, especially in light of the recent unveiling of Dwyane Wade’s statue, which faced considerable scrutiny for its appearance.
In a candid interview with ESPN, Rose conveyed his wish for his jersey retirement, stating, “I would love that.” However, he implored the Bulls’ management, particularly owner Jerry Reinsdorf and president Michael Reinsdorf, to reconsider the notion of a statue, humorously saying, “Jerry, no statue, bro. Please, Michael, no statue.” His skepticism seems to stem from the mixed reactions to Wade’s statue, which he clearly referenced in his remarks.
Derrick Rose’s career with the Bulls was remarkable. After being drafted first overall in 2008, he quickly made an impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year title in 2009 and achieving league MVP status in 2011. Despite his eventual trade from the Bulls in 2016 and a list of subsequent teams he played for before retiring in 2024, Rose remains a beloved figure in Chicago sports history.
In celebration of Rose’s legacy, the Bulls will host “Derrick Rose Night” during their game against the New York Knicks. This event will feature both teams in warmup shirts honoring Rose, and the Bulls will unveil memorabilia celebrating his time with the franchise.
In a historical context, the Chicago Bulls have only retired a handful of jersey numbers, underlining the significance of Rose’s upcoming honor alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Rose himself reflected on the importance of being recognized among the greats, indicating that having his jersey retired would be a step toward solidifying his place in basketball history.
The sentiment surrounding Rose’s jersey retirement not only highlights his contributions to the Bulls but also serves as an opportunity for fans to celebrate a player who brought tremendous pride to the Chicago basketball community. As the team prepares for this significant occasion, it is a testament to Rose’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact he made during his time on the court.