On Friday night during their game against the Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Bulls will unveil their inaugural Ring of Honor class.
In addition to inducting the four players who already have their jerseys retired, Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause, the team plans to induct the 1995-96 team that won a then-NBA record 72 games en route to its fourth NBA Championship.
Many of the players from that team will be on hand, including Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
One player who will not be in attendance, however, is Michael Jordan.
Jordan sent a video message that the team posted on X Thursday night.
“I want to congratulate the other recipients. I’m so bummed 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,” Jordan said. “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. I think we made an impression and changed what Chicago represents in terms of champions.”
Jordan still roots for the Bulls, as well. “I will always be a Chicago Bull 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,” he added.
Since Jordan’s retirement after the 1998 NBA Finals, the Bulls have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals just once, falling to the Miami Heat in 2011.
About Robert O'Neill