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Chicago Bulls announce inaugural Ring of Honor

Will Gottlieb Avatar
December 12, 2023

The Chicago Bulls announce that 13 individual members, as well as the 1995-96 NBA Championship team, will be honored in the team’s inaugural Ring of Honor class.

The Ring of Honor is a chance for the organization to celebrate and recognize players, coaches and front office members of years past that define the history of the organization.

“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,” Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in the team’s press release. “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.”  

At halftime during January 12 matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the Bulls will induct Artis Gilmore, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker, Tex Winter, and the 72-10 World Championship 1995-96 team into the inaugural class.

The following players, coaches and staff from the 1995-96 team will be inducted:  

  • Players: 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 
  • Coaches: Jim Cleamons, Phil Jackson, Erik Helland, John Paxson, Jimmy Rodgers and Tex Winter 
  • Front Office Members: Ivica Dukan, Clarence Gaines, Jr., Jerry Krause, John Ligmanowski, Chip Schaefer, Jim Stack and Al Vermeil  

Taking place every two years, the next opportunity for historic Chicago Bulls to be inducted will be in 2026. Criteria for future inductees include spending at least three seasons with the team, having been retired for at least three years, and have made a significant impact on the success of the franchise, in the form of records, awards, and of course, championships.

The Bulls clearly take a lot of pride in celebrating their history, so this is also a great opportunity for younger generations of fans to learn about the members that shaped it. Over a three-day stretch between January 10 and 12, fans will be able to attend an experience at the United Center Atrium that will display artifacts and memorabilia to learn more about the inductees. The team will explore additional, permanent options in the future.

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