Derrick Rose Declines Bulls Statue, Cites Dwyane Wade Likeness

Former MVP says he doesn't want to be 'idolized' like his fellow Chicago star

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:55pm

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After having his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls, former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has declined the team's offer to erect a statue in his honor at the United Center. Rose cited the mixed reactions to an eight-foot statue of fellow Chicagoan Dwyane Wade outside the Kaseya Center in Miami, saying he doesn't want a statue that 'looks like D. Wade' and that he doesn't want 'anyone idolizing' him.

Why it matters

Rose is one of only five players in Bulls history to have their jersey retired, joining Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love, and Jerry Sloan. While the iconic statue of Jordan remains a shrine at the United Center, Rose's humility in declining a similar honor reflects his down-to-earth persona and desire to avoid excessive adulation, even after a storied career with the franchise.

The details

Rose, who was born in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago and attended Simeon Academy before going to the University of Maryland, was drafted by the Bulls in 2008 and won Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. Two years later, he won the NBA MVP award after leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.

  • Rose had his jersey retired by the Bulls on January 25, 2026.
  • The eight-foot statue of Dwyane Wade outside the Kaseya Center in Miami was unveiled on October 27, 2024.

The players

Derrick Rose

A former NBA MVP and one of only five players in Chicago Bulls history to have their jersey retired.

Dwyane Wade

A fellow Chicagoan and NBA star who has a statue outside the Kaseya Center in Miami, which drew mixed reactions from fans.

Michael Jordan

The iconic Bulls player who has a famous statue at the United Center.

Scottie Pippen

One of the five Bulls players to have their jersey retired.

Bob Love

One of the five Bulls players to have their jersey retired.

Jerry Sloan

One of the five Bulls players to have their jersey retired.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want it to look like D. Wade. But I feel like a statue is idolizing, and I don't want anyone idolizing me.”

— Derrick Rose (Forbes)

The takeaway

Derrick Rose's humble refusal of a statue in his honor, despite his storied career with the Chicago Bulls, reflects a down-to-earth persona that has endeared him to the city's fans. His desire to avoid excessive adulation, even after having his jersey retired, underscores the importance of maintaining a grounded perspective in the face of success and fame.