In a nostalgic pause during a lackluster game between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks on Saturday night, the Windy City was swept away by a wave of memories.
Although the evening did not turn out as many had imagined over the past eight years, it did not dampen spirits in any way. Fans braved freezing temperatures, forming lines for hours to witness a moment that would resonate deeply: the introduction of a player whose name has become synonymous with the city.
And now…from Chicago…at guard, number 1, 6’1″…Derrick Rose.
For a few minutes on the famous floor of the United Center, the youngest MVP in NBA history returned home, giving rise to a celebration dedicated to his achievements and his deep roots.
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In a touching tribute, Rose expressed her gratitude, saying simply: “Thank you, Chicago, for forcing me to be great.” This retirement party marked the culmination of a 15-year career for the former point guard, who hung up his sneakers earlier this year.
As fans made their way through security, they were greeted with individual roses, a symbol of love for their beloved player. Black t-shirts adorned with the same rose design were placed on every seat, creating a sea of support, while some opted for their Rose jerseys, proudly representing the black and red colors of the Bulls, the orange of the Knicks, or the Simeon blue.
The choice of date — 1-4-25 — was not insignificant. The 1 (January) represented his jersey number in Chicago, the 4 signified his number with the Knicks, and the 25 symbolized his legacy in Simeon. Players from both teams wore warm-up t-shirts displaying these three key numbers.
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Throughout the night, the video screen became a web of love, displaying heartfelt messages from Rose’s former teammates like Luol Deng and Taj Gibson, who were also in attendance. Each moving tribute brought waves of applause, with fans rising to their feet to honor each familiar face.
The halftime climax was a simple but touching moment, dominated by speeches from commentator Stacey King and former teammate Joakim Noah. Their words were often drowned out by enthusiastic chants of “MVP,” with Noah urging the crowd to crank up the volume even more. Even the muffled whistles directed at President Jerry Reinsdorf were overshadowed by the overwhelming celebratory mood.
Photos from Rose’s weekend welcome showcased the community’s affection for the esteemed former Bulls star and proud Chicagoan.
Not just a celebration for a sporting figure, the night was a tribute to the city itself. Rose made sure to take time to engage with her supporters in the days leading up to the event, including a meet-and-greet at a flower pop-up shop that drew fans from several blocks away.
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In a remarkable display of connection, Rose and her son PJ participated in exhibition matches at Simeon, her high school. Additionally, he announced the Rose Garden, a pollinator garden at Growing Home’s urban farm in Englewood that aims to combat food insecurity in the city.
Throughout her career, Rose has balanced the duality of being the pride of the city and its pressure. Chicago projected its aspirations onto him, reflecting his highest peaks and lowest troughs. The city’s hopes for him were limitless, creating a relentless energy that accompanied him every step of the way.
In conversations, Rose dismissed the idea of the city’s expectations as a burden. Yet he recognized the weight of responsibility that followed him from a young age, the faith that he would rise to new heights and uplift his community.
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Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who forged Rose’s career in Chicago and Minnesota, praised him for embracing humility while carrying the heavy expectations of a hometown player. “It’s a challenge to perform in your hometown,” remarked Thibodeau. “He contributed immensely to the community in ways that many have never seen.”
Despite the setbacks that led Rose to end his career elsewhere, he did not dwell on the idea of returning to Chicago to wear the Bulls colors one last time. Rose found it difficult to contemplate retirement from a game that was more than just love; it was a deep obsession.
However, with the arrival of summer came a new attraction — her son PJ, who turned 12 last year. Contemplating retirement, Rose’s thoughts shifted from Chicago to the legacy he would leave his son.
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During his halftime speech, he encouraged PJ, saying, “Be big, not good,” prompting a proud smile as his son wiped away tears.
Rose reflected, “When the time came to hang them up, I didn’t care about the location. It was about his growth, and I didn’t want to sacrifice that.”
There’s a lingering question that often hangs over athletes: What would have happened if the injuries had never happened? What if fate had been more merciful? Yet Rose no longer lets these thoughts haunt him, having found solace in the trials of his career. Every obstacle, from knee surgeries to periods on the bench, has shaped him into the person he is today.
“Maybe I would have won a championship or two,” he mused. “But that would have taken me away from discovering who I was meant to be. Every path is unique, and mine unfolded that way. Coming from Chicago, I learned to roll with the punches as they came. as they arrived.”
This celebration is just the first act in a series of tributes intended to honor Rose. The Bulls are scheduled to retire his jersey next season, and in 2027 he will be eligible for the prestigious Ring of Honor. Former teammates and fans, led by Thibodeau, are actively campaigning for his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
“He’s definitely a Hall of Fame player,” Thibodeau said.
But on that unforgettable Saturday night, the city welcomed Rose in a personal and touching celebration — welcoming back the young boy from Chicago who triumphantly made his way home once again.
