The Chicago Bulls made a significant announcement on Saturday, revealing that they will retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey next season.
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This honor is not only well-deserved but a heartfelt recognition of what the Chicago native meant to the franchise and the city during his time with the team. Rose brought hope and electrified a fan base that had once cheered for arguably the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan.
As Rose prepares to join the exclusive group of Bulls legends with their numbers hanging in the rafters, it raises the question of which players should be next in line for jersey retirements across the NBA.
Here are five players who deserve this honor for their respective teams.
1. Chris Paul – New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, should undoubtedly see his No. 3 retired by the New Orleans Pelicans (formerly Hornets) and the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul spent the early part of his career in New Orleans, where he averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. He was an MVP runner-up in the 2007-08 season and quickly established himself as one of the league’s elite floor generals.
In Los Angeles, Paul elevated his game further, averaging 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds over six seasons. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the Clippers from perennial underachievers into legitimate contenders. Paul’s impact on both franchises is undeniable, and his jersey retirement will be a fitting acknowledgment of his contributions.
2. Dennis Rodman – Chicago Bulls
Dennis Rodman’s No. 91 jersey should already be hanging in the United Center rafters alongside his legendary teammates. Known as one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history, Rodman joined the Bulls in 1995 and played a vital role in their second three-peat (1996-1998).
In his three seasons in Chicago, Rodman averaged an astonishing 15.4 rebounds per game to go along with his relentless defense and ability to get under opponents’ skin. Though his tenure with the Bulls was brief, his impact on their championship success is immeasurable. The Bulls’ dynasty likely wouldn’t have reached six titles without Rodman, making him a deserving candidate for this honor.
3. Carmelo Anthony – New York Knicks
Anthony is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, and his time with the New York Knicks solidified him as a franchise legend. From 2011 to 2017, Anthony dazzled Madison Square Garden crowds, averaging 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 412 appearances.
Anthony’s tenure with the Knicks may not have resulted in a championship, but his scoring prowess and memorable performances revived basketball in New York during the early 2010s. Retiring his No. 7 jersey would be a testament to the impact he had on the Knicks and their fan base.
4. Mike Conley – Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley is the epitome of loyalty and consistency, spending the first 12 years of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. A key figure in the “Grit and Grind” era, Conley was instrumental in turning Memphis into a perennial playoff contender.
In his time with the Grizzlies, Conley averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while setting franchise records for games played, points, assists, and steals. Despite never making an All-Star appearance, Conley’s leadership and contributions to the Grizzlies’ success make him a lock for having his No. 11 jersey retired in Memphis.
5. LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers
James is arguably the greatest player of all time, and his impact on the NBA is unparalleled. When James decides to hang up his sneakers, there is no doubt that his jersey will be retired by all three teams he has played for: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In Cleveland, James delivered the city its first championship in 2016, cementing his legacy as the franchise’s greatest player. In Miami, he won two titles while solidifying the Heat’s place among the league’s elite. With the Lakers, James added another ring to his collection, further solidifying his place in NBA history. His jersey retirement will undoubtedly follow shortly after his career concludes.
Honorable Mentions
While these five players stand out, others are also deserving of recognition. Players like DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Paul George (Indiana Pacers), Tony Allen (Memphis Grizzlies), and James Harden (Houston Rockets) have left indelible marks on their respective franchises and could be considered for jersey retirements in the future.
These jersey retirements are not just celebrations of individual greatness but also a way for franchises to honor the players who shaped their histories. As Rose joins this elite club, fans can look forward to seeing more deserving legends get their due recognition in the years to come.
More news: Chicago Set to Retire Derrick Rose Jersey Next Season
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