In a heartfelt tribute to one of their most iconic players, the Chicago Bulls announced that they will be retiring the number 1 jersey worn by former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. This momentous occasion will take place during the 2025-26 season, with an exact date to be confirmed later.
Derrick Rose, 36, recently announced his retirement from professional basketball via social media on September 26. Since his departure from the Bulls, the number 1 jersey has remained intact, despite being given to players like Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow, who eventually changed their number following fan backlash.
With the retirement, Rose becomes one of only five players in the Bulls’ illustrious history to receive such an honor. He joins an elite group that includes legends like Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), the legendary Michael Jordan (No. 23) and Scottie Pippen (No. 33).
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Chosen first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft, Rose quickly made a name for himself by winning the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year award. At just 22 years old, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest NBA MVP in the 2010-11 season.
“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” Bulls President Jerry Reinsdorf said in a press release. “Retiring a jersey recognizes the impact of a player who transcends his or her on-field accomplishments. It celebrates remarkable individuals who have contributed significantly to our organization and formed deep connections with our fans. This honor recognizes emotional connections and the indelible legacy a player leaves in shaping the team’s identity. We are proud to welcome Derrick into the prestigious circle of Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, all those whose jersey has. was removed by the Chicago Bulls.
During his time with the Bulls, the team boasted an impressive 245-161 (.603) record in games with him on the court. His MVP campaign propelled the Bulls to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 1998, marking the conclusion of the organization’s second championship hat-trick.
However, Rose’s career faced significant challenges following a torn ACL in the first round of the 2012 playoffs. As a result, he missed the entirety of the following season and was limited to just 10 games during the 2013-14 season.
A three-time All-Star, Rose has career averages of 17.4 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds over 723 games (518 as a starter) with several teams, including the Bulls (2008- 2016), Knicks (2016-17, 2021-23), Cavaliers (2017-18), Timberwolves (2018-19), the Pistons (2019-21) and the Grizzlies (2023-24).
In the 2023-24 season, however, injuries disrupted Rose, limiting him to just 24 appearances (seven starts) where he averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds.
