On January 4, the Bulls will honor Derrick Rose at the United Center, during a meeting between Chicago and New York. But it is not on this day that his jersey will go up to the ceiling of the Bulls room, if he ever does go up there…
The Bulls confirmed it this Friday: January 4, 2025 will be synonymous with “Derrick Rose Night” in Chicago. The youngest MVP in NBA history will be honored by his hometown franchise, and D-Rose will be in the room – as will his former coach Tom Thibodeau (now with the Knicks) – to witness this promising tribute to be very moving.
However, as Chicago insider KC Johnson indicates, this beautiful evening will not be synonymous with jersey retirement. It will be an evening that will undoubtedly resemble the one reserved for Joakim Noah in October 2021. With a video tribute, a standing ovation, and everything else. For the record, it was already during a Bulls – Knicks with Thibodeau opposite.
Bulls confirm what was speculated since he announced retirement because it’s Tom Thibodeau’s only trip to Chicago
This is celebration of Rose. As for jersey retirement, nobody wears No. 1 anymore so it’s unofficially retired. But as far as official, source: still being discussed https://t.co/7MVFirmOZa
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 11, 2024
Derrick Rose will be celebrated as he should be, but will he one day be entitled to the ultimate tribute with a number #1 jersey rising to the ceiling of the United Center? For the moment, nothing has been confirmed at this level. “It’s still under discussion” if we are to believe KC Johnson.
In Bulls history, only four players who have worn Chicago colors have had the honor of having their jerseys retired: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love and Jerry Sloan. Four players isn’t a lot, and it shows that the bar is high enough to hope to be immortalized at the United Center.
With an MVP title, three All-Star selections, an All-NBA nomination and a Rookie of the Year title, Derrick Rose had a successful start to his career with the Bulls, taking them to the Eastern Conference final in 2011. Unfortunately, we know the rest: major knee injury, tensions with the franchise, then transfer to the Knicks in 2016.
Here’s 60 seconds of Derrick Rose jumping out the gym.
Special. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/LOCF5R5u6g
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) June 22, 2023
Derrick Rose’s story with the Bulls will forever be complex, full of ups and downs. But if you ask us, #1 deserves to be at the top of the United Center, alongside #23, #33, #10 and #4.
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Sources texte : Bulls / K.C. Johnson
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