While Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen will forever be the Chicago Bulls’ most iconic duo, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah have a firm hold on second place.
One was a quiet and smooth MVP who was impossible to defend. The other was a boisterous and physical Defensive Player of the Year who was impossible to ignore. Their personalities couldn’t have been more different, but this didn’t change their respect for one another.
Rose and Noah worked together to bring the Bulls the most success they had seen since the 90s. The bond they built during their clashes with the Miami Heat and run to the Eastern Conference Finals has proven impenetrable. That’s why it came as no surprise that Noah’s message following Rose’s retirement announcement was a tearjerker.
The big man shared numerous photos of the two from their playing days and beyond on Instagram. He also included a long statement touting Rose’s on-court achievements and the brotherly bond they have built: “I know your next chapter will be greater than your playing career because you are as real and as true as it gets and that’s why you inspire us all,” Noah wrote.
You can read Noah’s full comments below or on Instagram here. I recommend grabbing a tissue box!
Whether it be Noah serving as Rose’s wedding officiant or the two taking a group of high school students to Africa, it’s been a pleasure watching their relationship grow off the court. Now, they’ll have plenty of time to sit back, light a cigar, and reminisce.