Derrick Rose hopes to one day see his jersey hanging in the rafters at the home of the Chicago Bulls.
In a sitdown interview with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Rose was asked about the possibility of seeing his name up there with greats like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
“The jersey being retired, I would love that,” Rose said. “That would be my way of getting close to the top 75. I’m only saying that because it relates to the MVP thing. It’s only a handful, a small group that got that trophy back there.”
“I would love that.”
Derrick Rose says he wants his jersey retired by the Bulls ❤️
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/Kr9kTTHZFm
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 3, 2025
Memorable Years
Rose spent eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls, winning the regular season MVP trophy in his third season. That year, he averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists, showcasing one of the most astounding blends of speed and power the league has seen at his size.
He was also the Rookie of the Year for his 2008-09 campaign and made the All-Star team on three occasions.
A bout of knee injuries then derailed the dynamic guard’s career, beginning with a torn ACL in his left knee in 2012 that saw him miss the entire 2012-13 campaign. Rose also suffered meniscus tears in both knees later, significantly diminishing the athleticism that made him one of the most unique talents in the league.
Statue? No Thanks
While Rose was emphatic in his desire to see his jersey retired by the Bulls one day, the idea of a statue wasn’t so appealing.
Possibly in jest, Rose hinted at how poorly some statues of other players have turned out and preferred to avoid the same fate.
“The statue, the way people have been creating statues, no!” Rose said. “I do not want no statue. No statue. Jerry [Reinsdorf], no statue. Please, Michael [Reinsdorf], no statue.”
Special Saturday
Chicago is hosting Derrick Rose Night on Saturday when the Bulls welcome the New York Knicks to town. Both teams — each of whom Rose played for — will wear warmup shirts honoring Rose pregame, and the Derrick Rose Atrium Experience will also be unveiled.
The atrium will spotlight unique memorabilia from Rose’s career.
