Chicago Bulls Raise Derrick Rose’s No. 1 Jersey After 106-103 Victory
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The Chicago Bulls retired Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey on Saturday night, Jan. 25, 2026, moments after edging the Boston Celtics 106-103 at the United Center in Chicago.
Rose, 37, fought back tears as former teammates Taj Gibson and Luol Deng opened the post-game ceremony. Speaking to a sold-out hometown crowd that stayed more than an hour after the final buzzer, the Chicago native thanked his mother, Brenda, his brothers, former teammates and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Fifth number retired in franchise history
The point guard became the fifth Bulls player to have his number retired, joining Jerry Sloan (4), Bob Love (10), Michael Jordan (23) and Scottie Pippen (33). The franchise also displays banners honoring former coach Phil Jackson and former general manager Jerry Krause.
Fans brave frigid night
With Chicago temperatures in the single digits, fans lined up outside the arena hours before tipoff. Every seat held a black T-shirt bearing Rose’s name and number, and Bulls players wore matching shirts during warm-ups. Rose appeared on court about an hour before the game, shooting alongside his son while supporters crowded the baselines for photos and video.
Ceremony highlights
A Chicago orchestra performed the Bulls’ traditional intro song, “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project, as chants of “M-V-P” echoed through the building. Current Bulls Coby White, Josh Giddey, Zach Collins and rookie Noa Essengue returned to the bench to watch.
Guard Kevin Huerter, who nailed the winning three-pointer with one second remaining, said he considered mimicking Rose’s 2015 playoff celebration by leaping into teammates’ arms.
Career in Chicago
Selected first overall in 2008, Rose spent eight seasons with the Bulls, earning 2008-09 Rookie of the Year honors, three All-Star selections and the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player award, the youngest in league history at the time.
Planning the tribute
The Bulls recognized Rose’s retirement at the start of the 2024-25 season but waited until this year to retire his jersey. Team president Michael Reinsdorf said the delay allowed the organization “to really plan something special.”
Saturday’s scoreboard video featured messages from former teammates, NBA stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with Rose’s family and local residents reflecting on his impact. Roughly 20 former teammates attended, including Joakim Noah, Gibson, Deng, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and former coach Tom Thibodeau.
Rose previewed the banner earlier in the week and called the moment “unreal.” For Reinsdorf, the jersey in the rafters symbolizes a beloved era. “Even though we didn’t win a championship, our fans truly loved that era of Bulls basketball,” he said.
Deng summed up the night to the crowd: “This thing is forever, man … that’s our trophy.”
Source: ESPN
