'Black Rose' Derrick Rose (38) has had his number retired by the Chicago Bulls.
Born in Chicago in 1988, Rose attended the University of Memphis and was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. Entering with the symbolism of being the hometown team's No. 1 pick, he averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists in his rookie season and won rookie of the year.
Rose established himself as the next-generation franchise star expected to lead a Bulls revival after the Michael Jordan era. His prime arrived quickly. In the 2010-11 season, he averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists, leading the Bulls to first place in the Eastern Conference. At 22 years old, Rose became the youngest regular-season MVP in NBA history.
His explosive first step, fearless drives to the rim, and boldness in clutch situations proved his presence as one of the league's top guards. When naming the most athletic guards in NBA history, Rose's name is never left out.
But Rose's explosive playing style led to injuries. He tore his left knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the first round of the 2012 playoffs and was lost for the season. Knee-related injuries continued to recur afterward, preventing him from regaining his prime form. In this process, his time with the Bulls also ended after 2016.
Afterward, Rose became a journeyman, moving through the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and the New York Knicks again. In 2018, while with Minnesota, he erupted for a career-high 50 points against Utah. Becoming an icon of comebacks, he retired in Memphis in 2024.
To honor Rose's achievements, the Bulls retired his No. 1 jersey permanently during the home game against Boston on the 25th. He became the fifth player in franchise history to have his number retired, after Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4) and Bob Love (10).
The Bulls' younger players defeated the Boston Celtics 114-111. Kevin Huerter hit a thrilling game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer, easing the moment for Rose.
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