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How LeBron James, Michael Jordan reacted to Derrick Rose’s Bulls jersey retirement
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- How LeBron James, Michael Jordan reacted to Derrick Rose’s Bulls jersey retirement
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
Derrick Rose 's legacy with the Chicago Bulls has been formally cemented after the franchise confirmed its decision to retire his jersey.
The honor sparked emotional reactions across the NBA, including from two of the game's biggest icons – Michael Jordan and LeBron James .
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Bulls immortalize Derrick Rose's Chicago legacy, and Michael Jordan is elated
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls announced that Derrick Rose's jersey will be retired, recognizing his impact during one of the most iconic chapters in the franchise's modern history.
Rose was drafted first overall by the Bulls in 2008 and quickly became the face of the team. In 2011, he was named NBA MVP at just 22 years old, becoming the youngest player ever to win the award. That season, Rose led Chicago to the best regular-season record in the league and re-established the Bulls as title contenders.
Although injuries later derailed his prime years in Chicago, Rose's explosive athleticism, speed and hometown connection left a lasting mark.
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Among those to publicly congratulate him was Michael Jordan, whose own jersey hangs in the rafters. Jordan said : "Derrick, congratulations on the retirement of your jersey. Very happy for you. You had an unbelievable career. You really represent the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bulls.
"… I'm very proud of you and very happy for your special night. Looking forward to coming to the United Center and seeing your jersey hanging up there with my jersey."
LeBron James also salutes Derrick Rose's greatness
Rose's jersey retirement prompted tributes from across generations, including LeBron James, who faced him repeatedly during their Eastern Conference battles.
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Reacting to the news , LeBron said: "Nothing but respect and a humble fear going against D-Rose. His talent, his speed, his athleticism, his craftiness, his mind. It's no surprise, he still is the youngest MVP in NBA history."
Coming from both Jordan and LeBron, the praise underlines Rose's unique place in NBA history. Despite injuries preventing him from reaching the full heights many believed possible, his impact in Chicago was powerful enough to earn permanent recognition alongside the greatest players the Bulls have ever seen.
For fans in Chicago, Rose's jersey retirement is less about what might have been and more about what was, a generational talent who carried a city and left an unforgettable legacy.
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