The Chicago Bulls will honor one of their most beloved players, Derrick Rose, by retiring his iconic No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 NBA season. Rose, a Chicago native and the youngest MVP in NBA history played eight memorable seasons with the Bulls and left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city. Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf personally informed Rose of the decision on Saturday morning.
Derrick Rose was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and immediately became the face of the Bulls’ franchise. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2009, averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Rose quickly rose to superstardom, and in the 2010-11 season, he captured the league’s MVP award at just 22 years old—the youngest player in NBA history to achieve the honor. That season, he averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while leading the Bulls to a league-best 62-20 record.
Over his eight seasons in Chicago, Rose averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. His explosiveness, court vision, and ability to score in clutch moments electrified fans and reinvigorated a franchise that had been searching for its next star since the Michael Jordan era. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Rose’s impact on the Bulls and the city of Chicago remains undeniable.
Rose will become the fifth player in Bulls history to have his jersey retired, joining the legendary company of Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen. Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf reflected on the significance of this honor:
“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball. 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.”
Michael Reinsdorf, the team’s CEO, also spoke about Rose’s legacy:
“Derrick’s talent was extraordinary, but what always impressed me most was how he remained humble and let his basketball play speak for him. 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.”
Rose retired before the 2024-25 NBA season, leaving behind a remarkable career that included averages of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds over 14 seasons. While his time with the Bulls remains the centerpiece of his legacy, Rose also played for the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Grizzlies.
For Chicago, however, Rose was more than just a player—he was a symbol of hope and resilience for the city he called home. The retirement ceremony promises to be a poignant celebration of one of the greatest players in Bulls history and a hero to countless fans who watched him rise, fall, and persevere.
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