Five Years, One Dream – Jalen Brunson Transforms a Young Knicks Fan’s Journey Into a Madison Square Garden Memory for the Ages
New York is a city built on dreams, but few dreams unfold quite like what Madison Square Garden witnessed last night. Among the flashing lights and echoing chants of “Let’s Go Knicks,” one young fan’s determination—and a superstar’s heart—created a story that transcends the game itself.
For five years, 14-year-old Marcus Rivera from the Bronx had one mission: save enough money to see the New York Knicks play live. He collected cans for recycling, washed cars during sticky summer days, and tucked away every birthday and holiday dollar. Yet when ticket prices spiked during the team’s playoff chase, Marcus’s savings still fell short. The Garden, the place he called his “basketball cathedral,” felt heartbreakingly out of reach.
Then came an unexpected twist. Knicks star Jalen Brunson learned of Marcus’s journey through a community outreach report. Determined to make a difference, Brunson moved quickly. Hours before tip-off, he arranged front-row seats for Marcus and his family, a custom Knicks jersey, and a personal locker room visit.
When Marcus was introduced on the jumbotron and walked to center court beside Brunson, the world’s most famous arena fell silent for a split second—then erupted into a thunderous ovation that shook the rafters. Cameras captured Brunson embracing the young fan as thousands of New Yorkers cheered through tears.
“This city gives so much to us players,” Brunson said afterward. “If I can help even one kid feel like their dream matters, then I’ve done something bigger than basketball.”
Marcus could barely find the words. “It felt like the whole Garden was cheering just for me,” he said, clutching the jersey as if it were pure gold.
The Knicks went on to win their game, but for everyone inside Madison Square Garden, the real victory was the reminder that greatness is not only measured by points or wins—but by moments of kindness that unite an entire city.
‘Is that fair?’… What Derrick Rose thought of Chicago Bulls CEO’s exception for jersey retirement
Derrick Rose made a name for himself as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
Since the retirement of Michael Jordan in 1998, the Chicago Bulls have been in search of their next superstar who could lead the team to glory.
After years of failure, the Bulls seemingly struck gold with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft as they welcomed Derrick Rose to the team.
Rose made an instant impact on the Bulls as he led them to the postseason in his rookie year with the organization.
Chicago Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf told Derrick Rose about his jersey retirement
In just his third year with the Bulls, D-Rose was named the league’s most valuable player. He became the youngest to do so in NBA history, a record that is still untouched.
Under Rose’s leadership, the Bulls dominated the Eastern Conference, but the athletic superstar’s career was soon derailed by injuries.
By 2014, Rose was a shell of himself, and the Bulls eventually decided to trade him to the New York Knicks in 2016. Rose spent the rest of his career as a role player for various teams and announced his retirement in 2024.
Following the announcement, Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf surprised the former No. 1 overall pick on his jersey retirement.
“I’m telling you right now, next year when we retire your number in the rafters, it’s going to be more about you than the fans,” Reinsdorf said in January 2025.
Almost immediately, Rose broke down in tears, showing what the decision meant to him. At the time, no date was specified for when Rose would receive that honor.
Well, the Bulls have now confirmed that Rose’s jersey is all set to go into the rafters on January 24, 2026.
Michael Reinsdorf promised that only one person may wear Derrick Rose’s jersey in the future
For context, Rose wore #1 with the Bulls, and that’s the jersey that will be retired. However, Reinsdorf named one condition under which they may allow someone to wear that retired jersey number.
“Nobody’s wearing that number one jersey again unless PJ is a Bull, then he’s wearing that number one jersey, alright? Is that fair?” Reinsford said.
PJ is Rose’s son, who will turn 13 years old this year. So, if he decides to take basketball as a career, PJ will have to wait for at least six more years to be draft eligible.
This means the earliest he can be drafted is the 2032 NBA Draft because PJ’s birthday falls in October. Until then, D-Rose’s jersey will hang in the rafters alongside the likes of Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
