The Chicago Bulls’ first Ring of Honor class was honored Friday night against the Golden State Warriors. However, late general manager Jerry Krause was recognized, which angered the United Center audience.
From 1985 until 2003, Krause was Bulls general manager. He died in 2017 aged 77. He created the Bulls around Michael Jordan and won six NBA titles. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame soon after his death and won two Executive of the Year honors (1988, 1996). He orchestrated the dynasty’s downfall, as seen in “The Last Dance.”

That may have caused boos when he was acknowledged at halftime. His wife Thelma, representing him, looked to be crying at the terrible reaction.
“What we witnessed today, when Jerry Krause’s name was called and the people that booed him and his widow, who was accepting this honor for him, was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Bulls analyst Stacey King, a member of Chicago’s first three title teams, said on the broadcast.
I felt for her. Made her cry. Anyone who booed her in this stadium should be embarrassed “King said. That’s not Chicago. That’s NYC. Philly. Chicago’s different. We’re not known for that. Jerry Krause won six titles, regardless of your opinion. He placed six championships in the rafters without shooting or rebounding. Many teams have no championship.

“That was shabby. I disliked the booers. It was sad.”
King is correct. Krause was one of the league’s greatest executives, even if the Bulls dynasty ended prematurely and he failed to establish a champion again before leaving in 2003 due to health issues. The Bulls have six rings, behind only the Warriors (7), Lakers (17), and Celtics (17).

Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Kukoc, Gilmore, Love, Walker, Sloan, Jackson, Winter, Klein, and “Red” Kerr completed the initial Ring of Honor class. Also recognized were the 1995-96 Bulls. Naturally, Krause constructed that 72-10 NBA champion squad.
From the locker room, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a 1995-96 player, claimed he didn’t hear the booing for Krause. Kerr called the booing supporters “shameful.”
“Absolutely shameful,” Kerr remarked. Wow, I’m sad for Thelma and the Krauses. “What could we be thinking?”I’m disappointed in the supporters, and I’m sure many didn’t boo. The booers should be embarrassed.”