Chicago Bulls
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 13, 2023

The Chicago Bulls To Honor Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, More With Inaugural Ring Of Honor

“The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor will be a first-of-its-kind celebration honoring many of the legends who have helped shaped our organization over the past 57 years,” said Michael Reinsdorf, president and chief executive officer, Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls will present their inaugural class for the organization’s Ring of Honor, which will be implemented in January 2024.

According to the Chicago Bulls, 13 individuals being honored, along with the main attraction: the 1995-96 NBA championship team, largely considered one of the best in NBA history. The event will take place January 12 against the Golden State Warriors.

“The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor will be a first-of-its-kind celebration honoring many of the legends who have helped shape our organization over the past 57 years,” said Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls president and chief executive officer, in a written statement. “They have deep connections to our fans and community and represent a spirit of competition, hard work, and toughness.  This January, we look forward to cementing their legacy in Bulls history and inspiring the future of our organization.”

The former Bulls players from the 95-96 team being recognized for the first annual Ring of Honor are Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Jason Caffey, James Edwards, Jack Haley, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Dickey Simpkins and Bill Wennington. Jim Cleamons, Erik Helland, Phil Jackson, John Paxson, Jimmy Rodgers, and Tex Winter will be the coaches recognized. The executives from the front office include Ivica Dukan, Clarence Gaines, Jr., Jerry Krause, John Ligmanowski, Chip Schaefer, Jim Stack, and Al Vermeil.

According to the organization, Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor honorees must all meet a set of criteria:

  • Players must have spent at least three seasons with the Chicago Bulls
  • Players must have retired from basketball for at least three years
  • Staff must have made significant contributions to the Chicago Bulls
  • Staff must have made an impact on championships or league awards
  • All honorees must have significant achievements with the Bulls, made a meaningful contribution to team success, or hold records that have been sustained throughout team history
  • All honorees must have demonstrated high character and integrity both on and off the court and throughout their playing career and retirement

This may be the first time, at least in public, that former teammates and now adversaries Jordan and Pippen will be together after a tumultuous relationship after the airing of the documentary The Last Dance. Several players, including Pippen, felt that they weren’t given the proper credit in the documentary that was spearheaded by Jordan.

The Ring of Honor will take place every two years, with the next class being inducted in 2026.


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