Chicago celebrates Derrick Rose's Bulls legacy
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Derrick Rose dunks against LeBron James during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs. Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
As Chicago gets over Bears fever, all eyes head to the West Side for this weekend's ultimate tribute to its hometown hero, Derrick Rose.
Driving the news: The Bulls will retire Rose's jersey Saturday after the Bulls take on the Celtics at the United Center.
- Events are piling up around the city to celebrate Rose's big moment.
The big picture: Rose is so special to Chicago. The hometown basketball phenomenon grew up in Englewood, went to Simeon Career Academy and was the No. 1 overall pick for the Bulls in 2008.
- He went on to win Rookie of the Year in 2009, followed by the league MVP award in 2011. He is still the youngest player to ever receive that award.
Zoom in: Rose's career trajectory had Chicago basketball fans elated for the team's possible return to NBA glory, but a devastating knee injury in 2012 doused expectations.
- Rose's rehabilitation and subsequent injuries derailed his promising career. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2016.
Between the lines: Rose's injuries also led to a sour relationship with Bulls management at the time.
- The endless drama and bickering between the front office, the media and Rose led fans to cheer the end of his era in Chicago.
- He hopped around the league until retiring in 2024 and returning to live in Chicago.
State of play: Rose's No. 1 jersey will now hang in the UC rafters next to Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Bob Love (10) and Jerry Sloan (4).
- All four of those players had much better careers than Rose.
Yes, but: None of them are from Chicago. This coronation feels less about Rose's accomplishments on the court, but more about his impact on the city and the fans.
Zoom out: Since Rose has been back in town, he's opened a flower shop, participated in several community events, helped dedicate a mural at the new After School Matters building, and the city named Jan. 4 "Derrick Rose Day."
If you go: Saturday's game at the United Center includes several special events and merch rollouts, including interactive displays and tributes at the UI Health Welcome Atrium.
- You do not need a ticket for those events, but you will to watch all of the tributes throughout the game, leading up to the post-game retirement ceremony.
- The game and post-game ceremony will also be broadcast on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
The bottom line: Fans will always remember DRose for his run on the Bulls, but also for his hometown heart.
- "From the moment I put on that jersey, I gave you my heart," Rose posted to social media when he retired in 2024. "We shared incredible highs, and you stood by me through the toughest lows. You never gave up on me, and I'll never forget that."