Will Bulls Retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 Jersey? A Look at Retired Numbers
Former Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose made a significant announcement on Thursday, declaring his retirement from the NBA after an illustrious 16-year career in the league. The decision was shared by Rose himself on his official Instagram account.
One burning question among fans is whether the Bulls will retire Rose’s iconic No. 1 jersey. Despite being unofficially retired, the number saw brief appearances by Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow before facing backlash from fans, prompting a change in both instances.
The Bulls have a tradition of retiring numbers to honor their legendary players. Among those immortalized in the United Center rafters are Jerry Sloan’s No. 4, Bob Love’s No. 10, Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23, Scottie Pippen’s No. 33, and Bill Russell’s No. 6, which is retired league-wide. Additionally, head coach Phil Jackson and general manager Jerry Krause have also been enshrined by the Bulls.
Although there were initial speculations about the Bulls signing Rose to a one-day contract for a formal retirement ceremony, the team’s roster constraints have put this plan on hold. However, the Bulls are expected to pay tribute to Rose during the upcoming season, with Jan. 4 being considered a suitable date for celebrations, coinciding with the Knicks’ visit to Chicago under the guidance of coach Tom Thibodeau.
Reflecting on his time with the Bulls, Rose, now 35, spent seven memorable seasons with the team from 2008 to 2016. Notably, he was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2009 after delivering impressive stats of 16.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, shooting at 47.5% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc. Despite his stellar performances, the Bulls faced a first-round playoff exit in a closely contested series against the Celtics.
Rose’s career peaked in 2010 when he became the league’s youngest MVP at the age of 22. During that remarkable season, he averaged 25 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, earning All-NBA honors, his second All-Star selection, and finishing fourth in the Most Improved Player award race.
However, a series of devastating injuries, starting with an ACL injury in 2012 followed by two medial meniscus tears in his right knee in 2013 and 2015, significantly hampered Rose’s career trajectory. Despite subsequent stints with multiple teams post his departure from the Bulls, including the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Grizzlies, the legacy of Rose’s impactful No. 1 jersey is expected to be honored with a place among the distinguished retired numbers at the United Center.