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Derrick Rose says it would be "cool" having his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose barely plays anymore and has been given the role of a locker-room leader and mentor for the young New York Knicks. Now in his 14th season in the Association, gone are the days when he used to relentlessly attack defenses with incredible force and flair while playing for the Chicago Bulls. What's definitely not gone, though, is the admiration coming from his fans. So, when asked what he thought of the prospect of having his "1" jersey retired by the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2008, Rose said it would be a "cool" moment.
Nervous about what he would say
Rose is now in the twilight of his career, and it won't be long until he finally hangs up his sneakers for good. Although there's still gas left in the tank, his current team certainly values his off-court presence more than what he could bring on the floor. Talking to renowned NBA insider Shams Charania, Rose remarked he hasn't thought about a jersey retirement yet, but explained he's more nervous about giving a speech.
"I haven't really thought about it, but the idea would be cool. My son's grandfather was telling me, 'It's really not about you at that time.' I don't think about the jersey ceremony, I think about what I'm going to say," said Rose, who often let his game do more of the talking.
Legacy intact
Rose spent seven seasons with the Bulls, and though he wasn't able to bring Chicago an NBA title, his impact resonates. During his time in the Windy City, he revitalized the franchise with his electrifying play and earned an NBA MVP award in 2010-11, becoming the youngest recipient ever at the time. He was also a three-time All-Star and led the Bulls to five playoff appearances.
