In celebration of its founding, the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor honors past players, coaches and members of the front office who have made lasting contributions to the organization throughout its history. Michael Jordan joins several other key players from the memorable 95-96 championship team in perhaps the most surprising decision of all time.
While being on the list is a sufficient honor in itself, a tribute from former President Barack Obama gave the “GOAT” additional praise. Barack Obama, himself a native of Chicago, said:
“No other player before or after you could combine dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals quite like Michael; such a tireless work ethic and an unparalleled competitive passion. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency; His performance displayed the grace and imagination that make the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports.”
The former president’s entire post can be read below, but check out the entire Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor microsite here . The festivities will officially begin during the Ring of Honor game between the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets on January 12, 2024, where the inaugural members will receive a special halftime performance.
Author:Barack Obama
44th President of the United StatesWhen Michael Jordan arrived in Chicago in 1984, a scrawny kid with bushy hair and a big smile, everyone knew he was going to be a great player. After all, this is a player who hit the game-winning field goal in the national championship game as a freshman to help the North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Georgetown Hoyas and was a two-time first-team selection. -American, Olympic gold medalist, national team player of the year.
What people didn’t realize at the time—perhaps even Michael didn’t realize it at the time—was that the same young man would become the greatest player the game has ever seen, a transcendent athlete who would fundamentally change the face of sports. , Business, and American Culture.
Of course, Michael’s performance on the court was legendary. Six-time NBA championship, six-time Finals MVP. Five-time regular season MVP. Ten scoring titles and the highest playoff scoring average in history. Selected to the NBA All-NBA First Team. Nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection, including Defensive Player of the Year. No other player before or since could combine dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals quite like Michael. Such a tireless work ethic and unparalleled competitive passion. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency, but he performed with the grace and imagination that made the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports.
What made Michael Jordan an extraordinary figure was not just his excellence on the court. Through his revolutionary endorsement deals, iconic commercials, and even starring in a box-office blockbuster, Michael helped place American sports and African-American athletes at the center of entertainment, fashion, and pop culture, changing more than just our lives business in the country, and the way the rest of the world views America.
Only a handful of athletes in history — Ruth, Robinson, Ali — have been able to have a similar impact. Michael Jordan also possesses this rare quality. Not bad for a kid from Wilmington, North Carolina, who had been cut from his high school varsity team.
The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor was established to celebrate and honor past players, coaches and members of the front office who have made outstanding contributions and helped define the organization throughout its history. Class 1 includes 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 1995-96 team Won the 1996 NBA championship with a record of 72 wins and 10 losses.
