Bulls set to launch Ring of Honor, but who’s next?

The Bulls will officially launch their Ring of Honor during halftime of Friday's game against Golden State. A tribute to the 13 initial inductees will be on display in the atrium, near the Michael Jordan statue.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Jordan in person, he made a video expressing regrets he can’t make it.

The inaugural class is pretty straightforward – Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Phil Jackson, Jerry Krause, Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Chet Walker, Artis Gilmore, Tex Winter, Johnny “Red” Kerr and original owner Dick Klein.

The 72-win team of 1995-96 is also joining the Ring, which is convenient, since Warriors coach Steve Kerr will be in the building.

What happens next will be more interesting. The Bulls say they'll add to the Ring of Honor every two years. The criteria is basically at least three years spent with the Bulls and three years retired.

So Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol and George Gervin are not eligible, but allow me to suggest a performance category. Nate Robinson's 34-point game against Brooklyn in 2013, carrying the Bulls to a playoff victory without Derrick Rose, belongs in the Ring of Honor.

With plenty of strong candidates, let's rate the chances of famous Bulls joining the Ring of Honor, without considering current players:

Norm Van Lier (100%) – All those years Sloan returned to Chicago as a coach, just once the Bulls should have held a celebration of the 1975 team, first to win a division title.

Derrick Rose (100%) – Nobody's worn No. 1 since Rose left, at least not permanently. There's a good chance Rose gets the team's seventh banner.

Joakim Noah (100%) – The No. 13 probably gets retired if Noah had spent his full career with the Bulls.

Kirk Hinrich (100%) – He's No. 3 in games played behind Jordan and Pippen; still No. 1 in 3-pointers, but Zach LaVine is closing fast.

John Paxson (100%) – His popularity with fans waned a bit during the post-Thibodeau years, but still very deserving.

Luol Deng (100%) – The fourth-leading scorer in Bulls history, behind Jordan, Pippen and Love.

Bill Cartwright (100%) – His stint as a coach could have gone better, but clearly a Bulls legend.

Horace Grant (100%) – A little bit down on the list, since he left voluntarily as a free agent.

Steve Kerr (99%) – Can't forget the '97 Finals hero.

Ron Harper (98%) – Great defender and one of most likable players during second three-peat.

Tom Boerwinkle (90%) – Might be a while before any Bulls player grabs 37 rebounds in a game.

Reggie Theus (85%) – In the dreary chasm between the Sloan and Jordan years, he managed to lead Bulls to a playoff victory over the Knicks.

Taj Gibson (80%) – A popular choice with fans, which no doubt helps his cause.

Bill Wennington (80%) – Three championships, plus stint on radio will get him in.

Jimmy Butler (75%) – No better way to say, “We were wrong to trade you.”

Neil Funk (75%) – Red Kerr dominates Bulls broadcasters, but Funk spent 29 years with the team.

Stacey King (70%) – As a broadcaster, not a player, of course.

Dick Motta (65%) – Great run as head coach from 1968-76, still going strong at 92.

Bob Rosenberg (65%) – He scored nearly every Bulls game from 1966-2023, he's got to get in.

Ben Gordon (60%) – Just five seasons with Bulls, but No. 12 on scoring list. He's dealt with personal issues in recent years.

Chuck Swirsky (60%) – At 16 years on radio, he's well behind Funk, but seems to have the energy to get it done.

Luc Longley (45%) – Started for most of second three-peat, but not a ton of stats.

David Greenwood (40%) – Like Theus, he was stuck in a rough era, but ranks 18th in points, eighth in rebounds.

Dave Corzine (35%) – Hersey grad did enough to be a candidate, No. 12 in rebounds, No. 7 in blocks.

Mickey Johnson (35%) – Another Chicago native, spent just five years with team, but has been a frequent UC visitor.

B.J. Armstrong (35%) – No. 19 on scoring list, he has a chance if the Ring keeps growing.

Charles Oakley (30%) – Just four seasons with Bulls, but always popular with fans, teammates and media.

Johnny Bach (30%) – If another assistant joins Winter in the Ring, Bach is the likely choice.

Tyson Chandler (25%) – Lot of growing and learning during his five years with Bulls.

Carlos Boozer (20%) – Bob Boozer scored more points for Bulls.

Bob Weiss (20%) – Still No. 8 in assists.

Tom Thibodeau (15%) – Deserving, but tough to see it happening.

Lacy J. Banks (10%) – If there's a media category, he should go first.

Twitter: @McGrawDHSports