By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Chicago Bulls retired Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey Saturday night following their win over the Boston Celtics, celebrating the hometown star in an emotional ceremony.
Rose, visibly moved, wiped away tears as former teammates Taj Gibson and Luol Deng opened the tribute. In his speech, Rose thanked his family, former teammates and the sold-out crowd that stayed long after the game.
“I’m still trying to take it in,” Rose said. “Just feeling grateful.”
Rose became the fifth player in Bulls history to have his number retired, joining Jerry Sloan (4), Bob Love (10), Michael Jordan (23) and Scottie Pippen (33). The team also honored former coach Phil Jackson and GM Jerry Krause with banners.
Reflecting on the moment, Rose emphasized the city’s role in his career.
“It was about everybody that found ways to come to my games, the people that watched me play showed up today.”
The organization had planned the ceremony for months. Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf said they wanted to “take the time to actually really plan something really, really special.”
With the banner now hanging in the rafters, the city of Chicago celebrated one of its most beloved athletes — and a career that still resonates long after his last game.