Derrick Rose, a Chicago native and one of the most beloved players in Bulls history, recently shared his personal all-time Chicago Bulls starting five and the list sparked intrigue, praise, and a little confusion.
While Rose’s selection was ultimately heartfelt and deeply personal, it also offered a fascinating window into how former players prioritize legacy, loyalty, and impact over just accolades.
Speaking during an interview at the Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso, Italy, Rose was asked to name his all-time Bulls lineup.
“Me, of course, ‘Black Cat’ MJ, Pip, Damn, we got some jerseys up there. You got Bob Love, you got him. We got Jerry Sloan. Phew, you trying to get me beat up in Chicago.”
“Those three, then I gotta keep it with my Bulls, bro. My 3,4 would have to be since I have Pip, I gotta go with, uhm damn! Luol, and Booz, and my five gotta be, of course, Joakim Noah. That’s no disrespect to Bob Love and Art, Artis Gilmore.”
But as Rose contemplated the power forward and center spots, he started tossing around some historic names, Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Artis Gilmore, before pivoting toward a more personal lineup. He ultimately chose Carlos Boozer at power forward and Joakim Noah at center.
In a somewhat surprising twist, Rose also floated Luol Deng as a potential part of the lineup. That raised some eyebrows, as it appeared he had already slotted Pippen at the three.
But considering how quickly Rose was rattling off names and reflecting on his deep connections, it’s entirely plausible that Deng was meant more as an honorary sixth man than a starter. Rose likely meant to keep Scottie Pippen in the starting lineup, with Deng as the next man up, a trusted bench presence who was integral to the Bulls’ defensive identity and playoff runs during Rose’s MVP-caliber stretch.
Even though legends like Bob Love and Artis Gilmore were omitted from the final five, Rose made a point to pay homage. Love’s 21.3 points per game over nine seasons and Gilmore’s incredible production as an 11-time All-Star weren’t forgotten just superseded by the emotional bond Rose shares with his own generation of Bulls teammates.
Ultimately, Rose’s selections aren’t just about who was statistically best, but about who meant the most to him in the context of Bulls basketball. Jordan, Pippen, Noah, Boozer, and himself form the foundation of his personal dream team, with Luol Deng right there as a sixth man.
It’s a reflection of Rose’s identity: fiercely loyal, grounded in Chicago pride, and appreciative of greatness, both past and present.
As far as all-time lists go, this one might not please everyone, but it speaks volumes about Derrick Rose’s basketball heart.
