Derrick Rose’s funny remarks about the idea of having a statue instead of a jersey retirement had Redditors reacting.
Derrick Rose officially retired from the game of basketball in September during the 2024 offseason. Following this retirement announcement, Rose has yet to receive his “roses.” However, the Chicago Bulls have stepped up to honor his early years when the 2011 MVP was untouchable and absolutely at his peak.
The Bulls are calling it “Derrick Rose Night,” a celebration of Rose’s retirement by hanging his jersey number 1. This will happen ahead of the New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls game on Saturday at the United Center. To talk about the ceremony, Rose sat down with ESPN reporter Shams Charania at his new business venture in Chicago, a pop-up flower shop called “Roses.”
When the reporter asked the former MVP if he would prefer a statue or a jersey retirement, Rose’s reply made Charania break character.
The statue. The way people have been creating the statues—no, I do not want no statue. No statue. Jerry, no statue. Please, Michael. No statue. And the jersey thing… I would love that. That would be my way of getting close to the top 75. And I’m only saying that because it relates to the MVP thing, where it’s only a handful or a small group that got that trophy back there.
Derrick Rose via ESPN
The is an apt tribute for the former Chicago Bulls player, who went on from winning the Rookie of the Year in 2009 to the youngest player to ever win the MVP award at the age of 22. His growth was unprecedented as he led the Bulls to the top-seed of Eastern Conference with a league-best 62-20 record. It was Chicago’s first trip to Eastern Conference Finals since Michael Jordan era.
However, fans were quick to point out that Derrick Rose was hinting towards the terrible job Miami Heat had done with the Dwyane Wade‘s statue ceremony. Redditors reveled at the humorous remarks of their favorite player, and joined in. Wade’s statue was a fiasco as the statue captured little to none resemblance to him.
Redditors react to Derrick Rose’s remarks on statue: “Was like… No thank you”
Before the 2024 season began, Dwyane Wade had the honor and privilege of getting his statue unveiling ceremony. The observance was to honor his pivotal contributions to the organization, bringing Miami Heat its first championship banner back in 2006. However, the terrible jobs that statue makers have been doing lately, is getting ripped apart in the media and memes online.
Redditors pointed out that Wade faced the same fate as the soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Naturally, Derrick Rose’s reference to Wade’s awful statue in front of the Kaseya Center as to why he is reluctant to have a statue had Redditors rolling on the floor. Here are some of the best reactions.
Fans have questioned whether the 2011 MVP even deserves a statue. They stated that although Rose was a terrific player in his prime, his accolades aren’t ample to earn him a statue. When Derrick Rose was at his absolute best, he was averaging 25 points per game on a 44.5% shooting while grabbing 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists. His explosive ability and sky-high hoops as a point guard were a beauty to watch.
A special halftime tribute is planned for him, which will debut a two-minute video titled “Becoming a Rose.” It will also include speeches, possibly from former teammates, peers, and coaches, as Rose’s No. 1 jersey is raised to the rafters of the United Center, alongside other Bulls legends.