The Chicago Bulls will celebrate one of their most beloved hometown players when they raise Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey to the rafters of the United Center on January 24, 2026. The ceremony will take place after the Bulls face the Boston Celtics, with fans already anticipating what promises to be an emotional night in Chicago.
Rose’s number will be the fifth retired in team history, joining Jerry Sloan (4), Bob Love (10), Michael Jordan (23), and Scottie Pippen (33). For many in Chicago, Rose’s journey from Englewood to the top of the basketball world remains an enduring story of talent, perseverance, and connection to the city.
Drafted first overall in 2008, Rose made an immediate impact. He won Rookie of the Year in 2009 and earned three consecutive All-Star selections soon after. His career reached its peak in 2011 when, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award. That season, Rose averaged 25 points, more than seven assists, and guided the Bulls to a 62–20 record, their best since the Jordan era, culminating in a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Although injuries would later alter the trajectory of his career, Rose never stopped producing memorable performances. He famously scored 50 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018, a night that moved him to tears and showed fans he still possessed the brilliance that once electrified the United Center. He also had stretches with Detroit, New York, Cleveland, and Memphis, adapting his game to new roles and remaining a respected figure across the league.
Rose retired ahead of the 2024–25 season after 15 years in the NBA. In total, he played 723 regular-season games, averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 assists. Before his ACL injury in 2012, he averaged over 21 points per game, and even in later years he contributed as a key scorer and playmaker. He was a finalist for the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award three times.
Chicago has already begun celebrating Rose’s legacy. In January 2025, the Bulls hosted “Derrick Rose Night,” which included speeches, tribute videos, and the mayor’s declaration of January 4 as “Derrick Rose Day.” Former teammate Joakim Noah delivered a heartfelt message that left Rose in tears, underscoring how deeply he was cherished within the basketball community and his city.
The jersey retirement next year cements that bond permanently. For Chicago, Rose is more than a player; he is a native son whose rise inspired countless fans. From winning a state championship at Simeon High School to lifting the Bulls into contention, his story reflects both triumph and resilience.
As Rose himself reflected after the announcement, his career was always about making Chicago proud. On January 24, 2026, when his number ascends to the rafters, the city will return that pride in full measure.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license and was created by Keith Allison.
