Derrick Rose officially retired from basketball this past year. It was the end of a stellar NBA career that, while it may not have achieved the heights it could’ve, was a case study in talent, hard work, and perseverance. Nobody can deny Rose was the first player to genuinely influence Chicago Bulls basketball since Michael Jordan retired. He came in like a whirlwind, showcasing his jaw-dropping athletic prowess and never-say-die mentality, willing the franchise back to contention. It resulted in him becoming the young league MVP in history. Everybody thought greatness would follow.
Tragically, that knee injury against Philadelphia changed everything. He remained a good player after eventually getting healthy, but he was never quite the same. Rose experienced a heartbreaking exit from Chicago, where he never wanted to leave, but still carved out productive seasons with other teams. Despite that, Bulls fans refused to let his legacy die. Now, the franchise finally plans to honor him properly. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the team will retire his jersey this season.
In franchise history, the Bulls have only retired five numbers. They are, of course, Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Bob Love (10), Bill Russell (6), which was required by the entire NBA, and Jerry Sloan (4). Derrick Rose will soon add #1 to that list. The fact he managed to do what he did as what many felt was an undersized player in a big-man league makes it all the more impressive. Scoring point guards have always been a subject of debate. Rose, along with Allen Iverson, helped show that the position could change games without having to be great passers. People will always wonder how far the Bulls would’ve gone if he’d never gotten hurt. Sadly, we will never know. That doesn’t mean what Rose accomplished shouldn’t be celebrated.
