Chalien Dantes/Contributor

The Chicago Bulls will immortalise one of their most iconic hometown heroes, announcing plans to retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 NBA season. 

The ceremony is scheduled for January 24, 2026, when the Bulls host the Boston Celtics at the United Center.

Rose, who is known as the youngest MVP in NBA history, will become the fifth player in franchise history to receive the honour. His jersey will join those of Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen in the rafters. Additionally, Bill Russell’s No. 6 was retired league-wide in 2022.

Selected with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Rose quickly emerged as the face of the franchise. He earned Rookie of the Year honours and, by his third season, claimed the 2011 MVP award, becoming the youngest player ever to win the accolade at just 22 years old.

That season, he led Chicago to the league’s best record and reignited hopes of a championship era.

Though his career was derailed by injuries, including a devastating torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2012-13 season, Rose’s legacy in Chicago remains permanent. During his time with the Bulls, Rose averaged 19.7 points and 6.2 assists across 406 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he elevated his game further, posting averages of 23.7 points and 7.1 assists per contest.