Chicago Bulls Inaugural Ring of Honor
What a night for these NBA legends! When you ponder who is the best NBA team of the 90s… the Chicago Bulls probably come to mind. Or they are at least extremely high up on the list. Tonight, at the Chicago Bulls Inaugural Ring of Honor; the team got their flowers.
The first Ring of Honor class included 13 men and the entire 1995-96 team, which went 72-10 and won the NBA championship.
Also among the 13 Ring of Honor inductees were: Artis Gilmore, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker and Tex Winter. All of whom, as mentioned, is in addition to the 1995-96 team, which was referred to as “the greatest team in NBA history.”
Phil Jackson’s Induction Into Chicago Bulls Inaugural Ring of Honor
One of the biggest moments of the night, is the induction of Head Coach, Phil Jackson. The crowd is SO loud and roaring; the announcer is barely audible. It’s an electric few seconds and one of the most thunderous ovations of the ceremony.
Nonetheless, we love how Phil is introduced to the frenzied crowd. The announcer says,
“He led the Bulls to six championships in nine years. A thirteen time NBA champion, as a player and coach over his career. We welcome Hall of Fame Head Coach, PHIL JACKSON!”
Perfection. Also, a well deserved honor. Some athletes will only experience becoming a champion once. And it’s amazing. However, Phil Jackson does not even possess enough fingers to hold all of his champion hardware. Therefore, what a remarkable display of skills as a player and coach.
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon also shares the same sentiment over Jackson. Wilbon says,
“While basketball is the ultimate players’ sport, it was Coach Jackson who orchestrated the rhythm and flow. Ensuring that each player’s strengths blended seamlessly into the collective melody of success. He’s the greatest bandleader the game has ever seen.”
Okay Wilbon… you’re a poet. That is absolutely beautiful. And we have to agree.
Michael Jordan Bulls Ring of Honor
Unfortunately, several members of the iconic Bulls team were missing during the Ring of Honor ceremony. Players such as Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and one of the best to ever do it, Michael Jordan. Nevertheless, Jordan did leave a message for fans; released by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan states,
“Good evening. I want to thank Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf for starting the Ring of Honor. [Also] I want to congratulate all the other recipients. I am so bummed that I can’t be there tonight, but I don’t want that to stop the fun that you guys are going to have.
And believe me, I am very grateful and very honored. To the fans, you guys have supported me ever since I stepped foot in Chicago. And even today, I see a lot of Chicago fans all over. So I think we made an impression and changed what Chicago represents in terms of champions.
Every time you look up in the rafters, I want you to always remember, where we were and where we are. And we are always going to be champions. So, thank you, to the fans. Once again, I want to thank Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf for doing this and congratulate the other recipients.
Man, I’m bummed I can’t be there but I will always be a Chicago Bulls and I want them to continually do well. I’d like to see other banners in the rafters, and I hope the city can always be proud of the Chicago Bulls. Thank you very much. Have a great evening.”
Fans Boo Jerry Krause During Bulls Ring of Honor
Nonetheless, the evening takes a slight turn. For several reasons (like breaking up Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman); Bulls fans dislike Jerry Krause… very much. However, at the end of the day, Krause is the individual who assembled the Bulls team that won all those championships. Therefore, love or hate him, he gets credit.
Yet, despite that fact, during the ceremony fans do not hold back from expressing themselves in regards to Jerry. When his name is mentioned, the boos are deafening. Leading to Krause’s widow (Jerry passed in 2017) to be quite emotional, and start to cry. Not cool.
Former Bulls player, Steve Kerr, immediately speaks out about the booing and negativity. He says,
“It’s absolutely shameful. I’m devastated for Thelma (Krause’s widow) and the Krause family. What can we possibly be thinking? I cannot believe it. To me, it’s shameful.Whether people liked Jerry or not … we’re here to celebrate that team. Jerry did an amazing job building that team. … And I’m so disappointed in the fans — and I want to be specific because there were lots of fans who I’m sure did not boo. But those who booed, they should be ashamed.”
Additionally, Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf gives this statement to NBC regarding Jerry Krause.
“Jerry Krause is a six-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Executive of the Year. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and is an important part of our history. His legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected.
We were incredibly honored to have Thelma with us this evening to recognize Jerry as a member of the inaugural Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor.”
So yes, you may not like every decision Krause made. Or how he carried on. However, he’s apart of the history. In the books forever.
Dennis Rodman Chicago Bulls Inaugural Ring of Honor Official Statement
Speaking of history, Rodman was an era all to himself! You just had to be there to witness the wedding dress, MIB, Carmen Electra and every hair color you can think of mixing up.
But, despite the antics, Rodman’s talent on the court cannot be denied. Therefore, it’s nice to see him get his accolades too. Unable to make the ceremony due to travel and weather issues, Dennis still left fans a message like MJ, and it’s wonderful. Rodman says,
“Hey, Chicago, Dennis Rodman here. This is a sad day and a good day. I tried to come in, I wanted to really bad. But I guess the weather has prevented me from coming to Chicago. I can’t even talk, I’m getting emotional again because you guys know me. You guys know me. If I was Superman I’d be there in about 10 minutes.
But thank you guys for even having me on your mind. I don’t know what to say. I actually did something really positive yesterday. I reached out to my brothers of the Chicago Bulls and I spoke to 90% of them. But it was great to see those guys and that’s what hurts me the most, not being with those guys today.
Phil Jackson, love you so much, man. And all the people in Chicago, in that era and in that organization, especially the players that really helped me to get over that hump. Some of those years, man, it was rough, but thank you guys. All of you guys, I love you so much, brother. And my heart, my love is always with the Chicago Bulls.
To Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, all the guys, I love all of them. I love everybody. Thank you guys so much. Keep me in your prayers and your hearts, especially the heart of Chicago. Thank you guys so much.”
Isn’t Sports Great
Gets us right in the heart strings every time. Really enjoyed the messages from Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman, although it would have been so epic to have them in attendance. However, when you are apart of such an iconic team, these kind of events happen quite a bit.
So then, we are sure eventually we will see the gang all back together. Smiling and waving in all their champion jewels. And we shall get our night of sports nostalgia we all live and breathe to enjoy. Seriously… isn’t sports great!
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