Derrick Rose says Bulls' tribute is 'celebrating everyone' - ESPN

CHICAGO — Derrick Rose said he was «still in a daze» after hearing the news Saturday morning that the Chicago Bulls would retire his No.1 jersey to the rafters next season.

The news came hours before the Bulls were set to host Rose on Saturday night at the United Center during their game against the New York Knicks. Both teams wore shirts honoring Rose during pregame warmups with the date «1.4.25» — all three numbers Rose wore during his career — and the team unveiled the Derrick Rose Atrium Experience to spotlight unique memorabilia from Rose's career.

While Rose said he was looking forward to his jersey being officially retired next season, he was not able to process those emotions with the impending celebration this weekend.

«Tonight is not about that,» Rose said before the game. «It's about me giving everybody that's in this room, everybody that was a part of the story, the journey, the good, the bad, the ugly, it's celebrating everyone.»

The team hosted a tribute ceremony to Rose during halftime with remarks from broadcasters Stacey King and Neil Funk and former teammate Joakim Noah, who led a sold out crowd into a chant of «M-V-P, M-V-P.» The ceremony also included a tribute video to Rose from the team highlighting his career and the debut of a short film produced by Rose called «Becoming a Rose» as a tribute to the city of Chicago.

«Thank you Chicago for forcing me to be great,» Rose said during his halftime remarks. «For putting those expectations on me.»

Rose, a Chicago native, played eight seasons with the Bulls and became the youngest MVP in NBA history.

He will become just the fifth player to have their jersey retired in franchise history joining Jerry Sloan (No.4), Bob Love (No.10), Michael Jordan (No.23)