Chicago Bulls Retired Numbers
The Chicago Bulls have retired 4 numbers. Each one below records who wore it, the seasons they wore it, and what earned it a place in the rafters.
Back to Chicago BullsJerry Sloan
1966-1976
The Chicago Bulls retired Jerry Sloan's #4 in 1978 — before Michael Jordan, before championships, before the franchise became a global phenomenon. They retired it because Sloan built the expansion team's first identity out of willpower and defensive intelligence no one had taught him. A farm kid from McLeansboro, Illinois, Sloan was drafted fourth overall by the Baltimore Bullets in 1965, then traded to Chicago before ever suiting up for Baltimore.
Why #4 was retiredBob Love
1968-1977
February 14, 1994. The United Center in Chicago. The Bulls are about to retire #10, and Bob Love — known as "Butterball" for the silky smoothness of his jump shot — is about to give a speech.
Why #10 was retiredMichael Jordan
1984-1993, 1995-1998
October 1, 1994. The Chicago Bulls retire #23. Michael Jordan had announced his first retirement ten days earlier, citing the murder of his father and an exhaustion no professional athlete had ever publicly named with that much honesty. The franchise organized a ceremony in the old Chicago Stadium, raised a banner to the rafters, and said goodbye to the greatest player who had ever worn their uniform. Phil Jackson cried. Scottie Pippen looked at the floor. Jerry Reinsdorf read from a prepared script and lost his place twice.
Why #23 was retiredScottie Pippen
1987-1998, 2003-2004
The Chicago Bulls retired Scottie Pippen's #33 in 2005, settling a question some had asked aloud: did a player who later suited up for other teams deserve the honor? The discussions missed the point. The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Pippen fifth overall in 1987, and Chicago acquired his rights that same night by sending Olden Polynice to Seattle — a swap that built a dynasty. Pippen won six NBA championships with the Bulls, made seven All-Star teams, earned eight All-Defensive First Team selections, and was named 1994 All-Star Game MVP.
Why #33 was retired