Kevin Durant – a man who rarely hands out praise lightly – took time to reflect deeply on Derrick Rose ahead of Rose’s No. 1 jersey retirement at the United Center on Saturday night (Jan. 24, 2026). In comments to media, Durant didn’t just acknowledge Rose’s talent – he highlighted the emotional impact Rose had on basketball, especially for Chicago fans.
Durant recalled:
“I remember one coach saying, ‘This dude is going to be the best player in the league.’ He was 13 when they were saying that. That was the projection. So to see him come out, live up to expectations as a player, get his jersey honored and retired, and be loved across the basketball community… I’ve got nothing but love for D-Rose.”
He added a powerful comparison – while careful not to overstate:
“I don’t want to compare, but like how MJ made a lot of people feel, I feel like Derrick Rose made a lot of people feel that way.”
Coming from Durant – one of the game’s all-time greats – the praise carries immense weight. Rose’s journey began against long odds: Chicago entered the 2008 Draft lottery with just a 1.7% chance at No. 1. When the ping-pong balls fell their way, the Bulls selected the Englewood native who honed his game on Chicago blacktops like Murray Park.
Draft night was emotional – playing in his hometown felt surreal. LeBron James, who experienced a similar hometown draft moment, called it a story no scriptwriter could top.
Rose’s Path to the Rafters Rose’s Bulls tenure wasn’t forever. After a 2015 East Semifinals exit and a playoff miss the next year, Chicago moved on, trading him to New York. His career continued with stops in Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, and Memphis, eventually circling back to where he played college ball.
Rose announced retirement on Sept. 26, 2024. The Bulls honored him with a celebration on Jan. 4, 2025, and confirmed his jersey retirement for the 2025-26 season. No. 1 now joins Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love, and Jerry Sloan – making Rose the fifth Bull to receive the honor.
Mutual Respect: Rose Once Picked Durant in Dream Lineup The admiration goes both ways. Last year, when asked to build his ideal current NBA lineup, Rose placed Durant in the starting five: Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, Durant on the wing, LeBron James at the four, and Nikola Jokic at center.
Beyond Stats: A Chicago Story For Rose, this moment is less about comparison and more about community. He has spoken openly about growing up under massive expectations and learning to treat them as challenges rather than burdens. On Saturday, the hometown kid becomes a permanent part of Chicago’s basketball skyline.
Durant’s words sum it up: pure love and respect for D-Rose – a testament to the impact one player can have on a city and the game.
Chicago Bulls fans, tonight’s jersey retirement is history. What does Derrick Rose’s legacy mean to you? Drop your thoughts below!