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Bulls' Buzelis finds 'motivation' in Derrick Rose's jersey retirement
The sophomore guard was inspired by witnessing the ceremony honoring the Chicago legend.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Chicago Bulls sophomore guard Matas Buzelis said he found added motivation after witnessing the retirement ceremony for Derrick Rose's jersey. Buzelis, a Chicago native, was in attendance as the Bulls honored Rose, one of only five players in franchise history to have their jersey retired.
Why it matters
Buzelis is an up-and-coming player for the Bulls, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase after trading away several key players. Seeing Rose, a Chicago legend, have his jersey immortalized could provide a boost of inspiration for the young guard as he looks to establish his own legacy with the team.
The details
Buzelis, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season, reflected on the jersey retirement ceremony, saying it "really put more motivation into my mind." Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, is one of only four other Bulls players to have their jersey retired, joining Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love.
- Derrick Rose's jersey was retired by the Bulls on January 24, 2026.
- The NBA All-Star Weekend, where Buzelis participated in the Rising Stars Game, took place from February 14-16, 2026.
The players
Matas Buzelis
A sophomore guard for the Chicago Bulls who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season.
Derrick Rose
A former NBA MVP and Chicago native who had his jersey retired by the Bulls, one of only five players in franchise history to receive that honor.
What they’re saying
“It really put more motivation into my mind.”
— Matas Buzelis, Bulls guard (SiriusXM NBA Radio)
What’s next
The Bulls will return to action on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when they host the Toronto Raptors.
The takeaway
Buzelis' experience witnessing Derrick Rose's jersey retirement ceremony serves as a reminder of the power of honoring a team's legends and how it can inspire the next generation of players to strive for greatness and leave their own mark on the franchise.
