Last Saturday night marked another special day for the Chicago Bulls fans as Derrick Rose made his return to the Windy City.
Now repping the Memphis Grizzlies, the Bulls’ former cornerstone wasn't able to suit up in front of the United Center crowd due to his thigh injury. But as it is, the bond remains tight and the regard stands eternal for both sides.
As such, with Rose back in Chi-town, Joakim Noah didn't miss the opportunity as he attended the game to be able to see his beloved former Bulls running mate.
Best men
Joakim also joined NBC Sports Chicago's commentating team with Stacey King and Adam Amin during the Grizzlies-Bulls game. As he was asked about the officiating role that he took in Rose's wedding, Noah could only be honest in his response.
"I'm not gonna lie to you guys I was nervous as hell," Noah joked. "I've never done that before, but I had to do that for Pooh. Really happy I got to do that.”
Rose and his longtime girlfriend Alaina Anderson officially tied the knot last September in a glowing wedding ceremony in Beverly Hills. The event was welcomed by their family and friends in which their ex-Bulls teammate Taj Gibson was also in attendance.
Joakim just reciprocated what Derrick did during his 2022 wedding in which the former NBA superstar served as a photographer of his wedding.
Brotherhood still alive
Both Rose and Noah were the leaders of the Bulls' when they were there. They played together for eight seasons, led Chicago to plenty of playoff success and were there in the franchise's ups and downs.
As their on-court partnership has reached an end over the past few years, their off-court relationship as brothers will remain standing.
"I think that's what it's all about, you know," Noah reflected. "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. We have a lot of great memories here. To be able to share those memories --- obviously, there were highs and lows --- but you know what, in every relationship, it's like that.”
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