On Saturday, the Chicago Bulls will honor one of their most iconic homegrown stars as Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey rises into the rafters at the United Center. It’s a moment Bulls fans have long waited for - a celebration of a player who electrified the city, carried the franchise on his shoulders, and gave Chicago basketball a new identity in the post-Jordan era.
But while the weekend is about honoring Rose’s legacy, the former MVP is still keeping an eye on the present - and he’s not shy about what he thinks his old team needs to take the next step.
“You need a star,” Rose said in a recent interview. “You need a superstar to come change certain things.”
That’s a sentiment that carries weight coming from a guy who was that superstar. In 2011, Rose became the youngest MVP in league history, leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record and the top seed in the East. He didn’t just put up numbers - he brought hope, swagger, and a sense of purpose back to a franchise still searching for its post-dynasty identity.
Fast-forward to today, and the Bulls are sitting at 20-22, holding the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re competitive, sure, but not quite contenders. And as Rose sees it, the missing piece isn’t effort or depth - it’s star power.
That’s not to say there isn’t talent on the roster. Coby White has taken a leap, showing flashes of becoming a reliable lead guard.
Matas Buzelis, the rookie with local ties, brings promise and versatility. And Josh Giddey, with his playmaking ability, adds another layer to the backcourt.
But none of them - at least not yet - have the gravitational pull of a true franchise-altering superstar.
With the trade deadline looming on February 5, the rumor mill has been churning. Big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, and Ja Morant have been mentioned in speculative chatter.
But as of now, there’s no solid indication that Chicago is actively pursuing any of them. The Bulls have historically been cautious when it comes to blockbuster trades, and unless something shifts dramatically, this deadline might come and go without a splash.
Derrick Rose on the current Bulls: "You need a star. You need a superstar to come change certain things."
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Still, Rose’s comments hit at something deeper than just trade rumors. They reflect a truth that’s been lingering in Chicago for years: the Bulls haven’t had a true superstar since Rose himself. And while the league has shifted to prioritize depth and development, the teams that make deep playoff runs still tend to have that one transcendent player who can take over a game - or a series.
Saturday’s game against the Boston Celtics will serve as the backdrop for Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony. The Bulls are going all-out for the occasion, even as winter weather threatens to complicate the festivities. It’s a fitting opponent, too - the Celtics are a team built around star power and smart roster construction, the kind of blueprint Chicago would love to emulate.
When Rose’s No. 1 is lifted to the rafters, it’ll be more than just a tribute to his greatness. It’ll be a reminder of what this franchise once had - and what it still needs to find.
Derrick Rose gave Chicago a reason to believe again. Now, the Bulls have to find the next player who can do the same.