Derrick Rose. Chicago Bulls. Immortalized.
On Saturday at the United Center, the city celebrated a hometown kid whose impact goes far beyond the box score. From the pregame ceremony to the cheers filling the arena, the night belonged to a player who became part of Chicago’s identity.
Before the ceremony, Rose reflected on the moment.
“It was unreal. It still didn’t hit me,” he said. “All of this, I’m still taking in and trying to process in real time. Even with the weather outside, knowing it’s a Chicago thing to show up… that’s huge.”
Fans shared their admiration.
“I’m a Derrick Rose super fan because I’ve watched him all the way from Englewood… he’s a true story of what Chicago is,” said Ayesha Braggs.
The United Centre was transformed for the event. Black velvet couches welcomed family and friends, a live band played, and a custom-designed banner, unlike any other in the rafters, displayed eight roses inside Rose’s No. 1, representing each season he played for the Bulls. Rose greeted loved ones at centre court and embraced his mother as the crowd cheered.
Video tributes included messages from current NBA players and legends like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. On the arena screens, words echoed:
“A story of belief. Belief becomes talent. Talent becomes hope.”
“While no Chicago Bulls player will wear No. 1 again, the city will wear it forever.”
Former coach Tom Thibodeau recalled a defining playoff moment: “Joakim was running late, and then Derrick came up calm as can be… The next night, Rose delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances of his career, 44 points, seven assists… He showed everyone what it means to be a great Chicago Bull and a great man.”
Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Gibson, who spent 14 seasons as Rose’s teammate, spoke about their bond. “I didn’t have a lot of brothers growing up. You were my brother,” Gibson said. “You were that teammate you could always look to and you see on every highlight I was setting that screen for you.”
Deng followed with a reflection that echoed through the building. “As special a talent as D is, he’s a better human being,” Deng said. “You’re resilient. You’re original. D, you rose from this city. This is forever.”
Joakim Noah pointed to the moment itself. “Let’s not forget it’s a polar vortex and we have a full crowd,” Noah said. “That speaks volumes. He didn’t just get his jersey retired. He did it in his hometown.”
Rose himself acknowledged the connection with the city: “This journey was never about me… Somehow, we had some type of vibration that connected… It was always meant to be.”
Looking ahead, Rose hinted at ventures beyond basketball: “Who knows what’s next… I want to be in lanes nobody else is in. You’ll see.”
But on this night, it was about what already is: a city, a jersey, a legacy, and a hometown hero forever tied to Chicago.
