The Chicago Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s jersey, adorned with number 1, as desired by the leader, drafted in first position in 2008 by the Illinois franchise.
Derrick Rose wins his case. A few days ago, the former Bulls leader expressed his desire to see his jersey retired by the franchise that drafted him first in 2008. Since his departure in 2016, two players have worn his number 1: Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow. Which caused a lot of anger from the fans.
“I would love to have my jersey retired. That would be my way of getting closer to the Top 75, and I only say that because it has to do with the MVP,” he explained to ESPN. “There’s only a handful, a small group that got this trophy. And to think that this way of playing, the Chicago way of playing, is not in the top 75 players in the story, it makes you think a little or question things.”
It will be celebrated this Saturday
The former leader’s wish will finally be granted. This Saturday, the franchise will retire Rose’s number 1 from next season, he who became the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011. Chicago has retired four jerseys in its history: Jerry Sloan’s number 4 , Bob Love’s number 10, Michael Jordan’s number 23 and Scottie Pippen’s number 33.
“Derrick is both a local hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” said President Jerry Reinsdorf. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond their on-field accomplishments. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans It recognizes that emotional connection and the great influence a player has had on the team and the identity of the organization. We are proud to add Derrick to the elite group of players whose jerseys have been officially retired. by the Chicago Bulls.”
While waiting to officially have his jersey in the sky of the United Center, the young retiree will be honored this Saturday during “Derrick Rose Night” in the Bulls room, who host the Knicks, franchise with which he played in 2016- 2017 and from 2021 to 2023. The two teams will warm up with a T-shirt in tribute to the former Bulls leader. On this T-shirt, the numbers 1,4,25. It’s about today’s date, but also the numbers worn by Rose in high school, the Bulls and the Knicks.
