Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were inseparable during their eight years together at the Chicago Bulls. While their on-court partnership ended a few years back, their off-court bond has remained strong. They both had special roles at each other’s weddings and Noah penned a heartfelt note when Rose retired from the NBA a few days ago on September 26.

Rose’s legacy with the Chicago Bulls is undeniable. The youngest MVP in NBA history, Rose led the Bulls to their best season since Michael Jordan’s Last Dance, as the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011. Though an ACL injury in 2012 meant he couldn’t reach the heights his early explosive career promised, he still goes down as one the Chicago’s icons. But it wasn’t only on the court that he made a difference.

Noah, who played nine seasons with the Bulls, retired in 2021 leaving a legacy of his own. The one-time Defensive Player of the Year and multiple Bulls All-Star was a key part of the Bulls team that saw playoff successes and many ups and downs along the way. To honor his career, the Bulls had an unofficial retirement ceremony with his former teammates and family gathered for the occasion. However, all was not going to the plan.

Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast on October 4, Noah talked about how the Bulls’ party was not as extravagant as it should have been coming from a franchise worth $4.6 billion. “When I ended up retiring with the Bulls… they brought in the guys, but they were giving me that cheap liquor at the party,” he revealed. For a player who had been the mainstay of the franchise for nearly a decade, this wasn’t exactly the farewell he had imagined. Yet, as he did so many times during his career, he once again found Derrick Rose having his back.

“You know Pooh (Rose) put the money down right away for me. He’ll do sh*t like that but just not say nothing. He doesn’t want credit for anything but just class act I think,” Noah added. Earlier he also described Rose as an introvert who wouldn’t come out with his feelings straightaway but knew when to handle things. As Noah mentioned, his impact went beyond the court in Chicago.

His Rose Scholarship program launched in 2018 assists students from Chicago in advancing their education. At that time he announced a $400,000 scholarship program to “provide students a path to college that was not previously available to them.” In 2014 as well, he donated $1 million to After School Matters, a Chicago-based non-profit providing after-school programs.

Rose and Noah were at the heart of a special era in Chicago basketball. Although they never made it past the Eastern Conference Finals, they gave fans countless moments to cherish. Their partnership symbolized the grit and passion of the Bulls during that time. Even off the court, they showcased their friendship on many occasions.

Back in January, when Noah joined NBC Sports Chicago’s commentating team for the Grizzlies vs Bulls game, he was asked about his role in Rose’s wedding last year. Noah officiated the ceremony between Rose and his longtime girlfriend Alaina Anderson. “I’m not gonna lie to you guys I was nervous as hell. I’ve never done that before, but I had to do that for Pooh. Really happy I got to do that,” he said.

A year earlier, Rose had turned photographer for his former teammate’s wedding. During the NBC commentary stint, Noah also referred to Rose as his “little brother.” He said, “I think that’s what it’s all about, you know. I remember Derrick’s first day after he got drafted to the Bulls. I was here for a year. He’s been my little brother since Day 1.” When Rose announced his retirement on September 26, Noah didn’t miss the chance to show his love.

“You always represented hope—in human form…It was an honor, a privilege, and a real pleasure sharing the court with you. The memories will never be forgotten. Stories for days!!!” he said in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Toward the end of the long message Noah once again highlighted that their bond went beyond basketball. “Basketball or no basketball – YOU HAVE A BROTHER FOR LIFE!” These aren’t mere words as Noah has been at Rose’s side during his most challenging time in the NBA.

Joakim Noah revealed how their brotherhood grew stronger

After Rose tore his ACL during the 2012 NBA Playoffs, Noah witnessed how the injuries, combined with the immense pressure of being the face of the Bulls, weighed heavily on Rose. The injuries brought out a different side of the once-invincible guard, and Noah was there for it all.

“Our relationship grew after he got hurt,” Noah shared in the All the Smoke podcast. “It was a really lonely time for him. He had just signed huge deals with the Bulls and Adidas, but had to sit out.” During that difficult time, Noah and Rose’s bond became less about basketball and more about just being there for each other. “We’d sit down, smoke, and just chatted about hoops and life,” Noah revealed, reflecting on those quiet moments of friendship.

Noah further emphasized how important it was to take a step back from the business side of things. “It was so important to detach. Nothing fancy—just sitting in the bathroom, talking sh**, smoking a bl*nt. I really cherish those times,” Noah said.

Noah also described Rose as a “special player,” noting the unique contrast between his on-court dominance and his off-court personality. “He’s as special as they come… but scared of the post-game interview,” Noah joked, highlighting how Rose’s quiet nature never matched the volume of his game.

Things haven’t been the same for Chicago ever since these two stalwarts left. But for now the Bulls fans will cherish the memories these two players gave them over the years.