Former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose speaks to the audience during a half-time celebration for Derrick Rose Night at the United Center (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Taj Gibson may be donning pinstripes in purple and teal in 2025, but he’ll be a member of the Chicago Bulls family forever.
This past Saturday, the franchise celebrated one of his brothers in the city who raised him and in front of the fans who praised him.
Derrick Rose had his jersey officially retired and raised to the rafters of the United Center, where Chicago’s own No. 1 will live for eternity. It’s only the fifth time that has happened in team history.
“It was even amazing just being there,” Gibson told RG of being in attendance at Derrick Rose Night, sharing an evening of memories with him, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, C.J. Watson, Rip Hamilton and more of his closest friends and teammates.
“Just seeing the reception that Chicago gave him, it was amazing. Just seeing him go through all the ups and downs, highs and lows all through the years. Injuries, losses in the playoffs, it all comes back full [circle]. Just really appreciative of the times, and I'm just really proud of him. The way he speaks now, how he carries himself now. He's turned himself into a finished product and a true leader.”
After being introduced to a raucous crowd with the Bulls’ iconic theme song, Rose made his final entrance with his wife and three children through the hallway and onto the floor, where he made countless memories.
Favorites of the franchise spoke highly of Rose during the occasion. Bulls play-by-play legend Neil Funk and three-time NBA champion Stacey King emceed, while Noah addressed his longtime friend and led the audience in MVP chants.
Throughout the night, the Bulls played video tributes from former teammates, including Kyle Korver and Gibson.
“Well, Pooh, congratulations, brother, on a hell of a career,” Gibson said on the big screen.
“It was a pleasure and honor to be on the court with you, battle with you night in and night out. I’m sure the family, everybody back home is gonna enjoy this precious time. I’m looking forward to it myself. I’ll see you on the other side, brother. I thank you for all of the years, just making me a better player, embracing me, giving me that encouragement. Family for life. God bless.”
And, of course, the New York Knicks were in town, which meant that Tom Thibodeau, Rose’s first head coach, could take a small part in the festivities pre-game.
“It's always ironic that we just happen to be around at the right time,” Gibson told RG with a laugh. “Everything just worked out for the better [Saturday].”
To Thibodeau’s chagrin, the motivated Bulls defeated his Knicks that night, 139-126.
However, for the city – between the highlight packages before the event and speeches at halftime – it was a truly special night for Rose, Chicago and the organization.
Spending the majority of their careers together in Chicago, Gibson is Rose’s only teammate to spend 10 seasons with him, playing 458 games in total.
Just like Rose, Gibson will always hold the city dear to his heart. Judging by the moment he shared with Bulls fans a few weeks ago, they love him just as much as he loves them.
Spencer Davies
