Around this time last year, Derrick Rose announced that he is retiring from the NBA. Ahead of the 2026 season, the Chicago Bulls revealed their plans to honor the hometown superstar.
The Bulls drafted Rose first overall back in 2008, and he instantly emerged as a star. After taking home Rookie of the Year honors in 2009, he went on to become the youngest MVP in league history just two years later. Unfortunately, Rose's peak would be taken away from him due to multiple devastating injuries.
While he never returned to his star form, Rose managed to have a long career in the NBA. He'd become a bit of a journeyman after leaving Chicago, suiting up for the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies.
With his playing days behind him now, Rose will soon see himself immortalized in his hometown.
LeBron James reacts to the Bulls retiring Derrick Rose's number
On Thursday morning, the Bulls announced that they will be retiring Rose's No. 1 jersey this upcoming season. They plan to have a night in his honor on January 24th to put his name in the rafters.
January 24, 2026 🌹
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 21, 2025
Join us for Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement Night when we officially add No. 1 to the United Center rafters. pic.twitter.com/WvuNMEwWkn
Not long after the news broke, many people in and around the NBA reacted to the news. Among those to do so was LA Lakers star LeBron James. He is elated to see the Bulls do such a kind gesture to one of their top stars in the modern era.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/IIO5uk6da2
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 21, 2025
Rose and LeBron have an extensive history together during their long NBA careers. In the beginning, they were rivals in the Eastern Conference. The two stars battled it out on numerous occasions during Rose's tenure in Chicago. Later down the line, LeBron teamed up with the former MVP on the Cavaliers.
Getting to play for his hometown team was already a dream come true for Rose. Now, he gets to see his name be placed alongside the franchise's all-time greats for eternity.