Official NBA announcements or ceremonies

Chicago Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose's No. 1 Jersey, Honoring Youngest MVP

Jan 4, 2025, 07:12 PM

The Chicago Bulls announced they will retire Derrick Rose's No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 NBA season, honoring the Chicago native who became the youngest Most Valuable Player in NBA history while playing for his hometown team. Rose, who retired in September 2024, was selected first overall in the 2008 NBA Draft and played eight seasons with the Bulls, earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the team as a three-time All-Star. In the 2010-11 season, at age 22, Rose was named MVP, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the award. Rose will become the fifth Bulls player to have his jersey retired, joining Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23), and Scottie Pippen (No. 33). The Bulls' CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf informed Rose of the honor in person on Saturday morning. The announcement was part of "Derrick Rose Night" on January 4, 2025, during which the Bulls hosted the New York Knicks at the United Center. Rose's children delivered the game ball before the game. The Bulls and Knicks players wore themed shooting shirts displaying "1.4.25," representing the date and Rose's jersey numbers with the Bulls (1), the Knicks (4), and his high school number at Simeon Career Academy (25). Rose's short film "Becoming a Rose," a heartfelt tribute to Chicago directed by Rose himself, debuted during the game. Adidas, Rose's longtime sponsor, honored him by declaring January 4th "Derrick Rose Day" in Chicago and creating a tribute featuring 100,000 flowers at Clybourn Park. Earlier in the week, Rose returned to his alma mater, Simeon Career Academy, for a homecoming game featuring his AAU team, paying homage to the 1984 state championship team. Former teammates and coaches, including Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, and coach Tom Thibodeau, attended the events to celebrate Rose's legacy. Thibodeau commented, “He’s probably the most beloved player in the league.” Rose, moved by the announcement, shared his gratitude and reflected on his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming an NBA star, stating, "We giving out flowers tonight."