The Chicago Bulls paid tribute to their inaugural Ring of Honor class in an emotional ceremony during Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. Among the honorees was the late general manager Jerry Krause, who played a crucial role in building the Bulls around the legendary Michael Jordan.
Krause, who served as the Bulls’ general manager from 1985 to 2003, was instrumental in the team’s six NBA championships. However, despite his contributions, he was met with boos from the United Center crowd during the halftime ceremony. Bulls analyst Stacey King expressed his disappointment in the fans’ behavior, describing it as “unfortunate” and “classless.”
In defense of Krause, King highlighted his significant role in bringing six championships to Chicago. Krause’s wife Thelma, who was representing him during the ceremony, appeared to be in tears over the poor reception. Despite the criticism surrounding the breakup of the Bulls dynasty and Krause’s inability to replicate the team’s success, he is still widely regarded as one of the great executives in league history.
It is important to note that only three other franchises have won more championships than the Bulls’ six, underscoring the team’s remarkable achievements during Krause’s tenure. Other members of the inaugural Ring of Honor class included basketball icons such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson, among others.
The disapproval of the fans did not go unnoticed by Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who was a member of the 1995-96 Bulls team. Kerr labeled the actions of the booing fans as “shameful” and expressed his disappointment in them.
The ceremony was meant to be a celebration of the Bulls’ rich history and the individuals who played a significant role in their success. Unfortunately, a portion of the crowd chose to focus on the negatives rather than appreciate Krause’s contributions to the team’s legacy.
As the game continued, the Bulls rallied behind the honoring of their Ring of Honor class and put up a strong fight against the Warriors. The game ultimately ended in a close victory for Chicago, further highlighting the strength and resilience of this historic franchise.
It is crucial for fans to remember the impact that individuals like Jerry Krause had on their favorite teams, regardless of any disagreements or controversies that may have arisen. Honoring the past allows for the growth and success of future generations, and it is a testament to the Bulls’ commitment to their legacy that they included Krause in their inaugural Ring of Honor class.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”