Derrick Rose will see his No. 1 jersey rise into the rafters of the United Center on January 24, 2026, officially joining Chicago Bulls immortality. The announcement, made by team president Michael Reinsdorf during “Derrick Rose Night” on January 4, 2025, marked the long-awaited moment for the city that embraced Rose as its own.
Rose, the 2008 No. 1 draft pick and youngest MVP in NBA history, played eight seasons with Chicago, averaging 19.7 points and 6.2 assists across 406 games. His electrifying start was cut short by injuries, most notably the torn ACL in 2012 that altered the course of his career. Despite never winning a championship, his bond with Chicago remained unshakable.
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Now retired, the 36-year-old shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: “From Englewood to the rafters, my story has always been about making the city proud. This isn’t for me, this is for Chicago. Peace and Love, Pooh. 1.24.26.”
Rose’s jersey will become the next to hang alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, cementing his place in Bulls history. Yet, the announcement has reignited an old debate: should Dennis Rodman’s No. 91 also be retired?
Rodman spent only three seasons in Chicago, but his impact was undeniable. From 1996 to 1998, the Bulls won three straight championships, including the iconic 72–10 season. Rodman led the league in rebounds all three years, extending his streak to seven consecutive rebounding titles, a run capped in 1998 when he became the oldest to ever lead the league in the category.
In the 1996 Finals, Rodman’s dominance reached its peak with two games of 11 offensive rebounds, single-handedly outworking opponents like the Seattle SuperSonics. His relentless play made him the backbone of the Bulls’ second three-peat, and his rebounding records with Chicago still stand.
Still, some argue Rodman’s legacy does not warrant jersey retirement. Unlike Rose, his time in Chicago was brief, and critics suggest he belongs alongside Horace Grant, Artis Gilmore, and Toni Kukoc—franchise legends without banners. Others insist his Hall of Fame career, defensive accolades, and cultural impact demand recognition.
As Rose prepares for his coronation, the discussion surrounding Rodman underscores the many ways greatness can shape a franchise. Chicago will soon raise one number to the rafters, but another still hangs in debate.
