During the Chicago Bulls’ 114-111 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday, they honored Derrick Rose with an emotional jersey retirement ceremony. As a Chicago native and a member of the Bulls’ NBA team for eight years, Rose has a special place in the hearts of Bulls fans.
Of course, Rose’s jersey retirement elicited a strong response from the NBA community. Players and fans united to honor the 37-year-old star’s basketball journey, causing even players like Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
LeBron James Shares His Views on Derrick Rose’s Jersey Retirement
To celebrate Rose, other NBA legends and his loved ones sent messages for his jersey retirement.
Everyone, including James, chose to focus on how iconic Rose was as a player.
“Nothing but respect and a humble fear going against D Rose. His talent, speed, his athleticism is craftiness in mind,” James explained. “There’s no surprise why he was the youngest…still is — the youngest MVP in NBA history. Guy was just simply that great.”
Mostly rivals in their careers, Rose and James played a lone season together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017-18.
And though their time as teammates was limited, James continues to respect Rose as the NBA icon he is.
James, in a previous episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, was all praises for a young Rose leading the Bulls.
“I hope dearly people have not forgotten about Derrick Rose,” James explained. “One of the most explosive players I have ever played. One of the most competitive players I have ever played. Injuries suck. They really do. He’s one of those examples.”
James added that Rose means a lot to the Bulls, and even more to the city of Chicago. According to James, there’s not “one bad thing people can say about” the retired icon.
Michael Jordan Shared an Emotional Message Over Rose’s Legacy
Apart from LeBron James, who better to celebrate Rose than Bulls legend Michael Jordan? And if there’s one person who has built an unbreakable legacy in Chicago, it’s Jordan and his six NBA championships.
Congratulating Rose, Jordan said, “Derrick, congratulations on the retirement of your jersey. I’m very happy for you. You had an unbelievable career. You really represented the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls, your family, and yourself very, very well. So I’m very proud of you and very happy for your special night.”
Of course, Jordan added that he can’t wait to show up at the United Center and see Jordan’s jersey.
Having said that, the former No. 1 NBA Draft pick — who spent the beginning of his career in Chicago — averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 406 games. In his 15-year career, Rose averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in over 700 games.
A three-time NBA All-Star and 2009 Rookie of the Year, Rose played for six teams (Bulls, Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies) before announcing his retirement in 2024.
