Chicago Bulls retired numbers: How many numbers have the Bulls retired?

The Chicago Bulls are among the most iconic franchises in the National Basketball Association, NBA, with a rich history of talented and dedicated legendary players. Thanks to the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson, the team became a hallmark organization in the '90s. But are the trio, Chicago Bulls, the only retired numbers?

Over the years, the team has let go of several numbers in honour of the players who have significantly contributed to the squad's success. Although some might think that retiring a number in the NBA means completely letting go of a player due to factors like age, you will be shocked at what retiring numbers in the league mean.

What does it mean to retire a number in basketball?

When the basketball league, or a team in this case, retires a number, it means that they are taking the number out of circulation forever. It then becomes a way of honouring a player by ensuring no one else ever wears that particular number again.

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How many retired numbers are there in Chicago Bulls' history? Read on to find out more information about what Chicago Bulls numbers have retired.

All Chicago Bulls retired numbers

The Chicago Bulls are one of the most storied teams in professional sports, primarily because of one particular legendary player, Michael Jordan. Aside from the six NBA championships they are known for, they also boast some impressive, retired numbers in the league's history.

After in-depth analysis, Sports Brief has compiled a list detailing the renowned NBA's Chicago Bulls' retired numbers as of 2023.

4. Jerry Sloan - 4

• Full name: Gerald Eugene Sloan
• Date of birth: 28 March 1942
• Place of birth: McLeansboro, Illinois, the United States of America
• Age: Died at 78
• Position: Shooting guard
• Year retired: 1976
• Year jersey retired: 1978

Renowned mainly for his shooting guard position, speed and strength on the court, Jerry Sloan was a Chicago Bulls player from 1966 to 1976. Sloan debuted professionally in the NBA when he got drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the first round of the 1965 NBA draft.

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It was only a matter of time before Chicago Bulls drafted him in 1966, and since then, he has become a vital player on the team. The American shooting guard retired in 1976 but continued acting as an assistant coach and head coach for the team. Although he is late, his impact on the team is still felt to date.

3. Bob Love - 10

• Full name: Robert Earl Butterbean Love
• Date of birth: 8 December 1942
• Place of birth: Bastrop, Louisiana, the United States of America
• Age: 80 years of age as of June 2023
• Position: Small forward
• Year retired: 1977
• Year jersey retired: 1994

Considered one of the best swingmen in the league's history, he is also known for averaging more points per game than any other player in the team's history. Additionally, he was named an All-Star three times. Bob was known for his smooth shooting skills and rebounding abilities.

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His other achievements include being named the EPBL Rookie of the Year in 1966, All-NBA Second Team in 1971 and 1972, and NAIA All-American in 1963 and 1965. He is one of Chicago Bulls retired jersey numbers that are really missed.

2. Scottie Pippen - 33

• Full name: Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr
• Date of birth: 25 September 1965
• Place of birth: Hamburg, Arkansas, the United States of America
• Age: 57 years of age as of June 2023
• Position: Small forward
• Year retired: 1998
• Year jersey retired: 2005

From 1991 to 1998, Pippen put up 7.3 rebounds, 20.0 points, and 6.0 assists, made six All-Star teams, and won the 1994 All-Star Game MVP. And while he played second fiddle to Jordan, it is without a doubt that he is one of the greatest players to ever step on the NBA court.

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Besides, this guru was voted one of the best 50 players ever. Even though, during his career days, he joined the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers, he later returned to what he could only call home, Chicago Bulls, in 2003 for a second stint. Most fans would refer to him as Michael Jordan's court half.

1. Michael Jordan - 23

• Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
• Date of birth: 17 February 1963
• Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, the United States of America
• Age: 60 years of age as of June 2023
• Position: Shooting guard
• Year retired: 1998
• Year jersey retired: 1994

Did Chicago Bulls retire jersey 23? They retired Michael Jordan's jersey 23 nearly five months before his comeback, but the 14-time All-Star swapped his original number for a number 45 jersey when it came time to play again.

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Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, he is also renowned for winning six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and six Finals MVP awards, all with the Chicago Bulls. He completed after the 1993/94 season only to return in 1995 to 1998, averaging 32,292 points.

Is number 45 retired on the Bulls?

The team has not fully retired number 45. However, they have given serious consideration to doing so. Interestingly, before Denzel Valentine began wearing the jersey in 2016, only three other Bulls players had worn it.

From the listed Chicago Bulls' retired numbers, it is clear that the team boasts several legendary players, active and retired. The team has a history of success and dedication, and the players and coaches who have contributed to this undeniable success are honoured with these numbers.

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