Currently, only four former Bulls players have the honor of their jerseys hanging in the rafters. However, the fifth one feels closer to him, since it belongs to Derrick Rose. Many fans touted him to be the next big thing after Michael Jordan. The Englewood native hung the curtains on his career after 16 years in the league, which had its fair share of injuries. Just hours before the tribute night for D-Rose, the franchise made an announcement which the fans are thankful for.

“OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls. Number 1 will always be from Chicago.” Interestingly, no Bulls player has worn Rose’s iconic No. 1 in a game since his trade to the New York Knicks in 2016 either.

The franchise issued the number to Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow, but a huge fan uproar made them change their decision. In the franchise’s history, the only four numbers that the Bulls have retired are Jerry Sloan’s No. 4, Bob Love’s No. 10, Scottie Pippen’s No. 33, and Michael Jordan’s No. 23.

Apart from player jerseys, they also have banners to honor former coach Phil Jackson and former general manager Jerry Krause. The fan favorite also spoke about his jersey retirement.

“I would love that. That’s more me if they would do it.” Derrick Rose spoke to Shams Charania. “That would be my way of getting close to the Top 75, and I’m only saying that because it relates to the MVP. It’s only a handful, a small group that got that trophy back there. And to think that way of playing, the Chicago way of playing, is not in that 75, it makes you think about it a little bit or question it a little bit.” Despite missing out on the Top 75 NBA team, fans share the same love they shared for MJ.

Fans hail Derrick Rose in the same regard as Michael Jordan

Other Bulls legends surely helped the franchise, but they were not born and bred in Chicago like Pooh. That’s why his emotional attachment to the fans is different. The number 1 draft pick in 2008 quickly rose to the top with his hooping ability. That’s why a fan wrote, “He more iconic in Chicago then MJ.”

D-Rose would go on to become the youngest player in the league’s history to win the MVP award. He also guided the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals. His contribution gave hope to the franchise, which was looking for another trophy after Michael Jordan and Co.’s 6 titles. “The player that made them actually relevant after the MJ era. Deserved.” As per the Chicago Sun-Times, there was a reason why the announcement came in today, despite the retirement news back in September.  

“According to a source, there was serious discussion on former Bull and three-time NBA Champion Toni Kukoc getting his No. 7 retired first.” Ultimately, the front office decided to honor Derrick Rose first, which delighted many fans. “A big win for the Bulls. The best player since Jordan for the Bulls! #1 🌹.”

His stat line of 20/6/6 and 36-point Game 1 explosion, tied the record with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored in a rookie playoff debut. The fans since then hailed him to high standards. “he’s the only actual good player after Jordan😭💀.” But a huge what-if has always been his injury-ridden career. “Well deserved plus he won a MVP to Justify this. If it wasn’t for those injuries then besides MJ he would’ve been the bulls goat. 2nd best player of all time on that team.”

The fans showed immense support during his one-day-only business endeavor. The support will continue during tonight’s Derrick Rose night and will be emotional during the actual retirement day in the next season.