Derrick Rose: Bulls Retire Legend’s Number 1 Jersey After Victory Over Celtics
Jan 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Derrick Rose speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony after an NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
A perfect evening unfolded at the United Center Saturday night. The Chicago Bulls beat the Boston Celtics 114-111 thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by Kevin Huerter with one second remaining, before retiring Derrick Rose’s jersey in an emotion-filled ceremony.
A Finish Worthy of Rose’s Greatest Moments
The game came down to the final seconds. After Jaylen Brown (33 points) tied it at 111 with 14.2 seconds left, the Bulls called timeout. The ball moved from Josh Giddey to Coby White (22 points), who found Kevin Huerter in the corner for the game-winner. Symbolically, Huerter had arrived at the United Center wearing a number 1 jersey in honor of Rose.
This fourth consecutive victory keeps the Bulls (23-22) in the playoff race, tied for eighth place in the East. Boston (28-17), second in the Eastern Conference, suffered their second straight loss after a double-overtime game the night before against the Nets.
A Historic Ceremony for the Youngest MVP in History
Rose becomes the fifth player in Bulls history to have his jersey retired, joining Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the United Center rafters. A tribute video narrated by Scottie Pippen opened the festivities, followed by testimonials from LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
« This journey was never about me, » Rose said in his emotional speech. « From the start, it was about creating a synergy where people from the city could see themselves. » The Chicago native, drafted number 1 in 2008, made history by becoming the youngest NBA MVP in 2011 at just 22 years old, leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record.
The moment Derrick Rose’s banner was officially retired. pic.twitter.com/ufrMsEaEyY
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 25, 2026
About twenty former teammates were present, notably Taj Gibson. « Many, many nights, many, many trenches, many, many battles, he was there with me, » Gibson testified. « And he was that reassuring teammate you always looked to who always said: ‘I got you.' »
Michael Jordan himself sent a video message: « Derrick, congratulations on your jersey retirement. I’m very happy for you. You had an incredible career. You truly represented the city of Chicago, the Bulls, your family and yourself in an exemplary manner. »
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