Bulls Honor Second 'Ring of Honor' Class Without Drama, Unlike Inaugural Ceremony Two Years Ago
The Chicago Bulls kicked off the public celebration for their second "Ring of Honor" class on Saturday, with former assistant coach Johnny Bach, former players Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, John Paxson, and Norm Van Lier, as well as long-time play-by-play radio and television announcer Neil Funk, being inducted into the prestigious group.
In stark contrast to the inaugural ceremony two years ago, when Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen decided not to attend, this year's celebration was marked by a notable absence of drama. Even Dennis Rodman showed up on time, unlike he did during the first class induction.
Coach Billy Donovan praised the latest class, saying that it's "awesome" to see their accomplishments recognized. He highlighted the contributions of Bach, who played a key role in developing the team's defensive strategy under Phil Jackson, as well as Cartwright, Grant, and Paxson, who were all instrumental figures during the Bulls' three-peat championship wins.
As for the current team, Donovan acknowledged that injuries have been a setback. Several players, including Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Huerter, and Dalen Terry, missed the game against the Wizards due to various ailments. However, with the Bulls' roster currently depleted, rookie Noa Essengue earned his first rotation minutes in the NBA.
While Donovan acknowledged that scoring might be an area where Essengue needs improvement, he expressed confidence in the rookie's defensive potential and rebounding ability. With his length and athleticism, Essengue is expected to excel on the glass, while also using his speed and agility to cut through defenses and score in transition. As for his shooting, Donovan noted that it will likely take time to develop.
The Bulls' next game is a back-to-back against the Wizards, with the team looking to regroup and refocus after a tough loss to Miami on Friday night.
The Chicago Bulls kicked off the public celebration for their second "Ring of Honor" class on Saturday, with former assistant coach Johnny Bach, former players Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, John Paxson, and Norm Van Lier, as well as long-time play-by-play radio and television announcer Neil Funk, being inducted into the prestigious group.
In stark contrast to the inaugural ceremony two years ago, when Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen decided not to attend, this year's celebration was marked by a notable absence of drama. Even Dennis Rodman showed up on time, unlike he did during the first class induction.
Coach Billy Donovan praised the latest class, saying that it's "awesome" to see their accomplishments recognized. He highlighted the contributions of Bach, who played a key role in developing the team's defensive strategy under Phil Jackson, as well as Cartwright, Grant, and Paxson, who were all instrumental figures during the Bulls' three-peat championship wins.
As for the current team, Donovan acknowledged that injuries have been a setback. Several players, including Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Huerter, and Dalen Terry, missed the game against the Wizards due to various ailments. However, with the Bulls' roster currently depleted, rookie Noa Essengue earned his first rotation minutes in the NBA.
While Donovan acknowledged that scoring might be an area where Essengue needs improvement, he expressed confidence in the rookie's defensive potential and rebounding ability. With his length and athleticism, Essengue is expected to excel on the glass, while also using his speed and agility to cut through defenses and score in transition. As for his shooting, Donovan noted that it will likely take time to develop.
The Bulls' next game is a back-to-back against the Wizards, with the team looking to regroup and refocus after a tough loss to Miami on Friday night.
I'm so hyped about the Chicago Bulls' "Ring of Honor" class! 
It's awesome to see these legends get the recognition they deserve 
. Johnny Bach, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, John Paxson, and Norm Van Lier are all incredible contributors to the team's three-peat championship wins 
. And can we talk about how much better it is when everyone shows up on time? 
Like, Dennis Rodman finally being punctual is a win for the entire Bulls squad! 
Coach Billy Donovan is killing it with his praise for this new class – they truly are deserving of their spot in the Ring of Honor 
. As for Noa Essengue, I love how Donovan's focusing on his defensive potential and rebounding ability... that length and athleticism combo is gonna be 
! 
The Bulls might be struggling now, but with a team like this, they'll bounce back in no time. Fingers crossed for a big win against those Wizards! 
Another team's success 
Coach Billy Donovan's praising the new class but injuries are already getting in the way 
, at least that's what it always does. Dalen Terry out for a few games with his ankle and now Matas Buzelis too 
, can't even get the youngins' healthy enough to play... Noa Essengue might be the future but defense isn't gonna save you if they can't score 
, just more reasons to worry about this Bulls season 
.
. Like two years ago they were drama queens and now it's all chill 
At least Donovan is optimistic about him... I'm still skeptical though 
. The Bulls need to figure out how to gel as a team, especially with all these injuries 
. It's like, the celebration's not just for them, but also for us, as a team, as players...
. Like, I'm all for celebrating the Bulls' history, but can't they just make it less awkward? 
They skipped Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen last time around, so some of us were like "okay cool" 
. But this year's ceremony was way more chill 
. Even Dennis Rodman showed up on time! 
Coach Billy Donovan seems cool too, giving props to the new inductees and acknowledging the team's struggles with injuries 
. Anyway, the Bulls' next game is gonna be a tough one 
and i love that coach donovan is giving noa essengue some major praise, even though he's still kinda rough around the edges. he's got that length and athleticism that can make him a real asset on defense and the glass... we just gotta give it time for his shooting to develop 
only thing that would've made this day complete was MJ showing up 
.
. And I love how he's trying to emphasize the youngins' potential 
. Noa Essengue's got game, and if they can just get him some decent scoring numbers, we might be looking at something special 
You know, it's just proof that even in sports, we can put our differences aside and show some respect for one another. 
. Don't get me wrong, I love a good underdog story, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet... we'll see how this kid develops over time, for sure 
no drama at all compared to last time! it's awesome to see those legends getting their props deservedly 
he's got some serious upside, i mean, length, athleticism... gotta develop his shooting tho 
they might be depleted now, but with some solid young blood and that seasoned coaching staff, we're gonna see some fireworks 
rookie struggles r part of the game tho but i'm sure he'll get it together 
let's go bulls!!! 
. He sounds like he could be an awesome addition to the team with his speed & agility