The Chicago Bulls announced they will retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey on January 24, 2026, a move that quickly garnered praise from fellow NBA star LeBron James. LeBron James honors Derrick Rose jersey with a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing respect for Rose’s impact on the league and their rivalry in the Eastern Conference.
LeBron shared a simple yet meaningful message on X, featuring numerous rose, clapping hands, and raised hands emojis, symbolizing admiration from one great player to another. Their history of intense competition, especially during the early 2010s, makes this acknowledgment even more significant.
A Fierce Rivalry Between Rose and LeBron in the Eastern Conference
During the early 2010s, the NBA’s Eastern Conference was dominated by battles between Rose’s Chicago Bulls and LeBron’s Miami Heat. Their rivalry peaked in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, a series widely remembered for its high stakes and exceptional performances. At that time, Rose had just won the MVP award and led the Bulls to the league’s best regular-season record at 62–20.
The Bulls stunned the Heat with a victory in Game 1, but LeBron and Miami responded with four consecutive wins to take the series and eventually move on to the NBA Finals. This series featured countless memorable moments, from Rose’s acrobatic drives against Miami’s defense to LeBron’s clutch defensive plays on Rose in critical situations. Although LeBron’s team won, the intense competition forged a lasting mutual respect between the two stars that has endured for over a decade.
Derrick Rose’s Legacy Rises with Jersey Retirement at United Center
Now, with the upcoming retirement of his jersey, Derrick Rose secures his place among Chicago basketball legends. His No. 1 jersey will join those of Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen hanging in the rafters of the United Center. For Rose, a hometown kid from Englewood, this honor serves as a powerful symbol of achievement, reflecting his journey from local talent to Chicago icon.
Rose’s influence was felt immediately after being selected first overall in the 2008 NBA Draft. He earned the Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and, at just 22 years old, became the youngest player ever to win the MVP in 2011. That season, Rose averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, leading the Bulls to the top seed in the East and delivering one of the most impressive individual campaigns of recent times.
This accomplishment is made even more remarkable considering the level of competition in the Eastern Conference that year. Rose’s skill and leadership brought renewed hope to Chicago basketball fans, marking a new era after the Michael Jordan dynasty.
The Resilience Behind Rose’s Long NBA Career
Over 15 seasons, Derrick Rose played for multiple teams—including the Bulls, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies—competing in 723 games. Despite facing severe knee injuries that threatened his career, Rose made an extraordinary comeback, emerging as a veteran mentor and valuable contributor to several rosters. His resilience is considered one of the most inspiring narratives in recent NBA history.
The Upcoming Jersey Retirement Ceremony: A Night to Remember for Chicago
The Bulls plan to honor Rose’s jersey retirement during a home game against the Boston Celtics, making the evening an emotional tribute to a player who revitalized the franchise. This event will celebrate how Rose gave life to the city’s basketball culture and elevated the Bulls to new heights, rekindling the spirit that defined Chicago basketball in the 1990s.
For LeBron James, who competed against Derrick Rose both at Rose’s peak and during his later phases of his career, this tribute signifies a sincere acknowledgment of Rose’s influence and legacy in the NBA.
Chicago fans can look forward to a meaningful ceremony that cements Derrick Rose’s legacy as not only a gifted athlete but also a hometown hero who wore the Bulls jersey with pride, courage, and determination.