Even at the most solemn moment of his career, Derrick Rose has lost none of the humility that has always characterized him. Saturday evening, after their last-second victory against the Celtics, the Bulls retired his legendary number 1. His jersey joined that of Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan et Scottie Pippen on the ceiling of the United Center
“This journey was never about me”reacted Derrick Rose. “From the start, it was about creating a synergy in which the people of the city could identify. Looking back, I realize that it was all linked to the people who came to my matches, to this common vibration. Everything made sense. »
Now aged 37, the youngest MVP in history is fully aware of the collective scope of his legacy, but we will also remember that he also touched everyone who surrounded him from 2008 to 2016. It was enough to see Joakim Noah, with a baby in his arms, Kirk Hinrich, Kyle Korver, or even Taj Gibson, Luol Deng and Tom Thibodeau, whom Derrick Rose defended. Many of them had made the trip, and the challenge was to recognize them. Not far from these legends, we saw Noa Essengue, who remained on the sidelines to witness this moment in history.
“People thought I was just quiet or limited to what I did on the field. I retired to show that I am much more than that. Wait until you see what I had in mind all these years” continued Derrick Rose. “With the exception of my children’s games, I wanted to get away from basketball, to create things without competition. That’s why I created a flower shop, why I took up chess…”
From this tribute evening, we will remember the nice messages from LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but also his own tears while listening to the speeches of Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson, or those of his mother and his sisters when he thanked them. And then there was this moment when Derrick Rose spoke to his son, London, who wouldn’t stop crying. “Listen, don’t cry, I’m talking to you… You, big guy, don’t cry, look at me. I love your heart, I love how independent you are, I love how self-sufficient you are. Who taught you how to tie your shoelaces? It’s you. Who taught you to ride a bike? Yourself. You are so blessed and so powerful”
A strong moment which contrasted with the message of Michael Jordan, much more classic. “Derrick, congratulations on getting your jersey retired. I am very happy for you. You’ve had an incredible career. You truly represented the city of Chicago, the Bulls, your family and yourself in an exemplary manner. I can’t wait to come to the United Center and see your jersey hanging up there alongside mine. »
