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On the day that the Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson proclaimed to be “Derrick Rose Day” in the city, the Chicago Bulls made the long-awaited announcement that the franchise will retire his jersey.
The ceremony will be scheduled for the 2025-26 season, with details to come at a later date.
Rose’s No. 1 will be the fifth Bulls player jersey to be retired, joining Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23) and Scottie Pippen (No. 33). The NBA retired Bill Russell’s jersey (No. 6) across the league after he passed away in 2022.
Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf announced the franchise’s plans with Rose during an in-person conversation in Chicago on Saturday morning.
“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” said Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in a written statement. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond on-court achievements. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans. It recognizes that emotional bond and the great influence a player has had on the team and organization’s identity. We are proud to add Derrick to the elite group of players — Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen — whose jerseys have been officially retired by the Chicago Bulls.”
The Bulls drafted Rose with the No. 1 selection in 2008, and he went on to win Rookie of the Year. Rose spent eight seasons with the franchise, missing the entire 2012-13 season due to injury. He was a three-time All-Star in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and became the youngest MVP in league history in 2011. That season, Rose guided the Bulls to the NBA’s best record at 62-20.
Rose, a Chicago native who has always had a deep connection to the city, appeared in 406 regular season games for the Bulls. He averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists with his hometown team.
In the playoffs, Rose averaged 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 41 NBA playoff games as a Bull, accounting for the second-highest average in points and assists in franchise history.
“Derrick’s talent was extraordinary, but what always impressed me most was how he remained humble and let his basketball play speak for him,” said Michael Reinsdorf in a statement. “To watch Derrick the player was a thrill, but to get to know Derrick the person was an honor. His accomplishments on and off the court are what made him truly special.
“His connection with Chicago was undeniable when he was here, and it has only grown stronger and more profound over time. It will be an emotional moment to see Derrick watch his jersey go up into the rafters, surrounded by the family, friends, and fans who mean so much to him.”
The Bulls also are celebrating “Derrick Rose Night” during Saturday’s home game against the Knicks, with tributes to Rose, his family, former Bulls teammates and the city of Chicago.
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(Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
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