Bulls unveil inaugural Ring of Honor; Krause widow booed

The Chicago Bulls celebrated their first-ever Ring of Honor class at halftime of Friday night's contest against the Golden State Warriors.

The ceremony showcased many Bulls greats, including the 1995-96 NBA championship team that went 72-10. The entire list of individuals honored included:

• Artis Gilmore
• Phil Jackson
• Michael Jordan
• Johnny Kerr
• Dick Klein
• Jerry Krause
• Toni Kukoc
• Bob Love
• Scottie Pippen
• Dennis Rodman
• Jerry Sloan
• Chet Walker
• Tex Winter

Jackson, the Bulls' head coach from 1989-98, received a large ovation from the United Center crowd.

The three stars from the 1995-96 team - Jordan, Rodman, and Pippen - were notably absent from the ceremony. Jordan sent his regards in a heartfelt speech during the event.

However, the festivity wasn't without controversy, as many fans booed when former team general manager Jerry Krause was announced. Krause died in 2017, and his wife, Thelma, represented him at Friday's ceremony.

After the game, Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf issued a statement supporting Krause's inclusion into the Ring of Honor.

"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."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also spoke out against the fans' behavior, calling the booing "absolutely shameful."

Chicago strategically planned the celebration to have longtime Bulls guard Kerr in the building to accept his honor with his title squad.