On Jan. 24, following the Chicago Bulls matchup against the Boston Celtics, the franchise will honor one of its most iconic figures, Derrick Rose, with a Jersey Retirement Night at the United Center. In a postgame ceremony, Rose will become the fifth Bulls player to have his jersey raised to the rafters, joining Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen.
The night will be more than a ceremony. Presented by State Farm, the event will feature a United Center atrium experience, special performances, Rose-inspired food and beverage options, and a T-shirt giveaway for all fans in attendance. More importantly, it will celebrate what Rose meant and still means to the city of Chicago.
Rose spent seven seasons with the Bulls, earning three All-Star selections, the 2011 NBA MVP award as the youngest winner in league history, Rookie of the Year honors, and an All-NBA First Team selection. At his peak, Rose was one of the most electrifying players the league had ever seen. In honor of his jersey retirement, here’s a look back at five of his greatest games in a Bulls uniform.
5. Feb. 17, 2011 vs. Spurs: 42 points, 8 assists
During his MVP season, Rose delivered a masterful performance against San Antonio, going head-to-head with Tony Parker and controlling the game from start to finish. The Spurs threw multiple defensive looks at him, but none slowed him down as he led Chicago to a statement win.
4. 2011 First Round, Game 1 vs. Pacers: 39 points, 6 assists, 3 blocks
Rose set the tone in his playoff opener by impacting both ends of the floor. In a tight game, his late-game playmaking, including a clutch assist to Kyle Korver, helped the Bulls secure the win and establish control of the series against Indiana.
3. 2009 First Round, Game 1 vs. Celtics: 36 points, 11 assists.
In his rookie season, Rose played in his playoff debut like a veteran. Battling Rajon Rondo and the defending champion Celtics, he pushed the game into overtime and helped lead the Bulls to a win in Boston. Rose led the team in scoring and assists while shooting over 60 percent from the field and a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line. He has since said this remains his favorite playoff memory.
2. 2011 Eastern Conference semifinals, Game 3 vs. Hawks: 44 points, 7 assists
Rose showed exactly why he was named league MVP with a dominant performance against Atlanta. He posted a playoff career high and was nearly unstoppable, scoring efficiently at all three levels. Rose finished the night with shooting splits of 59 percent from the field, 57 percent from 3-point range, and 88 percent from the free-throw line in what was a true masterclass.
1. 2015 Eastern Conference semifinals, Game 3 vs. Cavaliers: 30 points, seven assists
Rose always elevated his play in the postseason, and this game was no exception. Going head-to-head with Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, he attacked the basket, created opportunities for teammates, and delivered one of the most iconic moments in Bulls history. Rose capped the night with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Chicago a Game 3 win and a 2-1 series lead over Cleveland.
As Rose’s jersey rises into the rafters, these performances serve as reminders of a player who gave Chicago unforgettable moments and a generation of hope.