Huge cheers for Noah, a few boos for Rose. pic.twitter.com/3DYXyY0UGl
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) November 5, 2016
Derrick Rose didn’t exactly have an acrimonious exit from Chicago when he was traded to the Knicks this summer, but his years-long struggle through various knee injuries that limited his effectiveness and changed the trajectory of his career undoubtedly left a bad taste in more than a few people’s mouths. And then there was all the bad publicity he’s generated in recent months during his civil rape trial.
So it’s no surprise there would be a certain level of ambivalence from the home crowd upon his return to the Windy City on Friday night to face his former team. During player introductions for the Knicks, Bulls fans jeered loudly as each name was announced, right up until they got to Joakim Noah, who received a warm reception in a city where he was a fan favorite for most of his career. But it was a different story when they got to Rose, who was pelted with boos.
Prior to the game, Rose acknowledged that outcome as a possibility but still insists he has no hard feelings toward his former organization or its fans. Most of that ire likely has its roots in the frustration of the former MVP never quite being able to live up to that enormous potential he displayed in the first few seasons of his career. Still, the Bulls made a classy gesture by showing a heartfelt tribute video honoring both Rose and Noah before tip-off.
Check out the @chicagobulls‘ moving tribute to Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. pic.twitter.com/ntFkfuSOWu
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 5, 2016
