MANILA, Philippines – From one Chicago Bulls legend to another. 

As the Bulls officially retired Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey, NBA icon Michael Jordan led the tributes for Chicago’s hometown hero Rose, the youngest player in league history to win an MVP award during his eight-year stint with the storied franchise. 

“Derrick, congratulations on your retirement of your jersey. Very happy for you, you had an unbelievable career,” said Jordan of his fellow former Bulls superstar Rose. 

“You really represented the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bulls, your family, and yourself very, very well. Looking forward to coming to the United Center and seeing your jersey hanging up there with my jersey.”

Rose became only the fifth Bulls player to have his jersey retired by the franchise, joining the six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love. 

Selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, the 6-foot-3 Rose played for the Bulls from 2008 to 2016, capturing the Rookie of the Year award, the MVP honors in 2011, while leading the city to multiple playoff appearances. 

Injuries, however, slowed down the high-flying guard after he sustained an ACL tear in his left knee during the 2012 NBA playoffs and a meniscus tear in his right knee upon returning in the 2013-2014 season.

After his stint with the Bulls, Rose went on to play for five more teams, namely the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies before retiring in 2024 at the age of 35. 

Rose, a three-time NBA All-Star, put up career averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over 723 games played. 

“We’ve been through a lot Chicago, a whole lot,” said Rose during his jersey retirement ceremony shortly after the Bulls’ 114-111 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday, January 25 (Manila time).

“Chicago, we did it before and we could continue to do it. With some of the tragedies that I told you about, somehow we got to this point right now. Thank you all for coming out, I appreciate you all,” he said. – Rappler.com