The United Center was transformed into a sea of red and black as the Chicago Bulls officially immortalized the career of Derrick Rose, retiring his iconic No. 1 jersey on Saturday night. In a ceremony that followed a 106-103 victory over the Boston Celtics, Rose became only the fifth player in franchise history to have his number raised to the rafters, joining legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The hometown hero was visibly moved, wiping away tears as the city he grew up in showered him with one final, thunderous "MVP" chant.

The festivities began long before tip-off, with the team hosting an immersive "atrium experience" that celebrated Rose’s journey from Englewood to NBA stardom. Local students contributed original artwork, and fans were treated to a pop-up version of the "Rose’s Flower Shop," a nod to the former point guard’s family-owned business. Before the game, Rose made a personal gesture by leaving a single rose in the locker room for every active player on both the Bulls and Celtics rosters.

The emotional peak of the night occurred during the post-game ceremony, which featured a 16-minute tribute video narrated by Scottie Pippen. The video featured heartfelt messages from current NBA superstars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, it was a rare video message from Michael Jordan that resonated most deeply. Jordan praised Rose for representing the city and his family with dignity, telling the 2011 MVP that he looked forward to seeing the No. 1 hanging alongside his own No. 23.

Several of Rose’s former teammates were in attendance to stand by his side, including Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich. Former head coach Tom Thibodeau also spoke, highlighting the resilience Rose showed throughout a career defined by both explosive dominance and significant injury setbacks. Despite the obstacles, Rose’s impact on Chicago remains unmatched; he remains the youngest player in NBA history to win the MVP award, a feat he accomplished at just 22 years old.

As the banner was finally hoisted toward the ceiling, Rose stood center court with his children, cementing his legacy as the "Windy City Assassin." The night served as a reminder that while his time as a superstar was altered by injuries, his connection to the people of Chicago is permanent. For a franchise that reached its highest peaks since the 1990s under his leadership, the retirement of the No. 1 jersey ensures that the boy from Murray Park will forever be a part of the Bulls’ elite history.