Michael Carter-Williams Passes on Derrick Rose’s Old Number to Avoid Controversy in Chicago
The Chicago Bulls didn’t bat an eyelash when recently-acquired point guard Michael Carter-Williams asked to wear No. 1.
MCW, however, thought better of it and opted for another jersey number to side-step any lingering bad feelings from this summer when the former MVP was unceremoniously shipped to New York.
Souvenir edition of #Bulls game notes with Michael Carter-Williams assigned No. 1 jersey. pic.twitter.com/bMcqWvCO8y
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) October 18, 2016
Carter-Williams says the Bulls didn’t mean to disrespect D-Rose by letting another player rock his old number so soon.
Per the Chicago Tribune:
“I said, ‘1,’ and there wasn’t too much discussion,” Carter-Williams said before the Bulls’ 108-104 overtime exhibition loss to the Hornets Monday night at the United Center.
No. 1, as in the number Rose — traded to the Knicks this summer after seven often-volatile seasons with the Bulls — wore for his hometown team. […] The Bulls issued the number to Carter-Williams, who didn’t play against the Hornets but was listed as No. 1 in the game notes distributed to the media.
Though Carter-Williams apparently changed his mind — he told CSN Chicago after the game that he would wear No. 7 to avoid any controversy — the Bulls’ decision to at least initially let him wear No. 1 is a good indication they are putting Rose as far into the rearview mirror as possible. […] “I know this organization respects Derrick Rose,” Carter-Williams said. “It has nothing to do with stepping on anyone’s toes or anything like that. (Rose) was a great player. He did a lot for this city.”
