Derrick Rose on idea of Bulls statue: ‘No knock, D-Wade. I saw that statue. I’m good’

Posted January 30, 2026 3:20 pm

By Jordy Fee-Platt

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose got well-deserved recognition from the Chicago Bulls and their fans last week, as the team retired his jersey at the United Center during an emotional pregame ceremony.

However, Rose made it clear that honor is more than sufficient for commemorating his career. During an appearance on “The Enterprise Zone” at Nasdaq, a Forbes business show, host Jabari Young asked Rose whether he would be open to having a statue outside the arena.

Rose immediately shot that idea down. He referenced the Dwyane Wade statue the Miami Heat unveiled in 2024 as a precautionary tale. Many have criticized Wade’s statue for not resembling the 13-time All-Star.

“No knock, D-Wade. I saw that statue,” Rose said. “I’m good.”

Young then asked if Rose would accept an offer from the Bulls to create a statue. The 37-year-old responded that he doesn’t have an interest in being remembered that way.

“I don’t want a statue of myself,” Rose said. “I feel like that’s idolizing in a way I don’t want anybody to idolize me.”

It appears the Chicago native won’t be joining Michael Jordan in statue form outside the United Center anytime soon.

During an injury-riddled 16-year career, Rose had a lasting impact on the Bulls franchise and the NBA. After being selected first in the 2008 draft, he electrified the league with his athleticism. Rose was a three-time All-Star and 2011 NBA MVP with his hometown team, taking the Bulls to the Eastern Conference finals in 2011, before falling to the Heat.