The Chicago Bulls have long been one of the NBA’s most historic franchises, leaving an indelible mark on the league—most notably during the Michael Jordan era, when they dominated with no real rival in sight. Now, another player who defined a generation for the franchise, Derrick Rose, earns the honor of having his No. 1 jersey retired.
The Bulls are set to retire Rose’s jersey on January 24, 2026, in a matchup against the Boston Celtics. But beyond Jordan’s legendary No. 23, which jerseys are already hanging in the rafters at the United Center? Chicago currently has four retired numbers:
- No. 4 – Jerry Sloan
- No. 10 – Bob Love
- No. 23 – Michael Jordan
- No. 33 – Scottie Pippen
The Bulls have also raised banners honoring former head coach Phil Jackson and longtime general manager Jerry Krause. Together, these tributes reflect the level of respect and recognition the franchise reserves for the most influential figures in its history.
Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls moves against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on January 3, 2012.
Derrick Rose’s journey to his No. 1 retirement compared to Jordan
The retirement of Derrick Rose’s jersey by the Chicago Bulls is a tribute to a career that, while brilliant, was tragically impacted by injuries. Unlike Michael Jordan, whose jersey retirement honors an uninterrupted dynasty of six championships, Rose’s number celebrates his fleeting but electrifying impact as the youngest MVP in league history and as a hometown hero who brought new life to the city. His No. 1 represents a “what if”.
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Rose’s path to this honor was a roller coaster of emotions for Bulls fans. His peak years in Chicago, before injuries derailed his career, were defined by an intensity and explosiveness the franchise hadn’t seen since the Jordan era. His number won’t hang in the rafters because of championships, but because of the hope and belief he instilled in a team that had been searching for its identity for more than a decade.
Where Jordan’s No. 23 retirement was a celebration of perfection and absolute dominance, Rose’s is something more personal. Jordan became a global icon, a near-mythical figure who transcended sports. Rose, by contrast, was always “Chicago’s kid” — a hometown hero who represented the city and its neighborhoods, making his NBA journey far more intimate and emotional for fans.
Ultimately, Rose’s jersey retirement is recognition of a different kind of greatness. If Jordan’s legacy is measured by supremacy and unmatched achievements, Rose’s is defined by impact, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Both honors are richly deserved, but they tell two very different stories: one of legendary dominance, and the other of inspirational perseverance.
