It’s a big day for Chicago sports. The news was dominated by the Chicago Cubs celebrated their World Series victory when Cleveland blew a 3-1 lead. There is also a homecoming to celebrate tonight – Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah return to the United Center with the New York Knicks to take on the Chicago Bulls.
Next: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls: Game Outlook
At length, the relationship of Chicago, Bulls fans and Derrick Rose has been discussed all over the internet and in every medium known to man. However, Friday marks the first time that Rose and Noah spoke with Chicago media on a gameday since leaving the Bulls – Rose via trade, Noah via free agency.
K.C. Johnson, of the Chicago Tribune, shared several quotes via Twitter and in an article, you can view here. Let’s take a look at what Rose and Noah had to say today.
Derrick Rose
Rose: "It's my hometown. Of course I missed it. I haven't been gone from the city this long since college."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 4, 2016
It’s incredible to think that Rose hasn’t strayed far from home over the years until you realize just has interwoven his story has been with that of his city. It also doesn’t feel like Rose has been gone for that long. That also speak to just how rooted Rose has always been.
It’s great to have Rose back and it will probably be real for the first time, Friday night, when Rose steps onto the United Center floor in the away colors for the first time ever.
Rose: "The Cubs winning, I felt the energy of the city. The city is on some type of high right now."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 4, 2016
That feeling of disbelief or inability to accept and move on from the Rose era is a lot like the plight of Cubs fans. Until Bryant fired the ball to first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, and the umpire called the final out, it didn’t seem real. Even with a lead, being the favorites, playing a full season of dominant baseball, it didn’t seem like a real future until it materialized.
Rose’s departure is the same in many ways. Until he’s on the court going at Bulls defenders, driving to the basket and drawing fouls, scoring points against Chicago, and dishing assists to Carmelo Anthony instead of Jimmy Butler – until then – it still won’t fully sink in that he’s technically gone, now just a visitor.
Rose also commented on the Cubs win and the good that it does for the city, mentioning the violence in Chicago and how the World Series victory shines a positive light. He also made it clear that he wanted to bring the Bulls a championship and that he gave it his all.
Joakim Noah
Noah: "I wish everybody well. I’m not here wanting the Bulls to lose or anything like that. Just tonight though."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 4, 2016
Noah was in vintage form, but clearly positive toward his former team.
Noah: "S**t happens. It’s a locker room.Things I remember the most are good memories from everybody. I have no hard feelings toward anybody"
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 4, 2016
Choosing to dwell on the positives is in the best interest of everyone involved, but it is hard to believe that Noah doesn’t remember what Reinsdorf had to say about his former star center this summer. There is also the relationship that Noah and Rose had with former teammates like Butler.
Regarding the Cubs, Jo had similar praise for the good vibes in the city following the baseball championship. It seems like everyone from our staff to Chance the Rapper to Noah has been feeling the positivity of Chicago baseball.
It’s okay to cheer for Rose and Noah on Friday night, even if it feels conflicting to have positive feelings for New York basketball. Everyone will move on, as Noah appears to have already adopted New York in many ways. Gone is his classic Bulls bun, Noah has been donning A$AP-styled braids recently. No matter the change in style or jersey, it’s good to have the boys back in town.