The Chicago Bulls jerseys retired by the franchise represent the most decorated group in NBA history, honoring legends whose numbers hang permanently in the United Center rafters. Only four numbers have been retired by the Bulls since the team's founding in 1966, a remarkably selective honor that underscores just how difficult it is to earn this distinction.
Many fans assume more players have received the honor, but the franchise has maintained an exceptionally high bar. This article breaks down every retired number, the stories behind the ceremonies, the controversies and near-misses, and how you can identify authentic retired jersey merchandise versus counterfeit gear.
The Complete List of Retired Chicago Bulls Jerseys
The Chicago Bulls jerseys retired by the organization include exactly four numbers: 4 (Jerry Sloan), 10 (Bob Love), 23 (Michael Jordan), and 33 (Scottie Pippen). No other Bulls player has received this honor, despite the franchise's rich history and six championship banners.
Here is the full breakdown:
| Jersey Number | Player | Position | Years with Bulls | Retirement Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Jerry Sloan | Guard | 1966–1976 | 1978 |
| 10 | Bob Love | Forward | 1968–1976 | 1994 |
| 23 | Michael Jordan | Guard | 1984–1993, 1995–1998 | 1994 |
| 33 | Scottie Pippen | Forward | 1987–1998, 2003–2004 | 2005 |
How to apply this: Visit the United Center's atrium level during any home game to see the retired number banners up close and snap photos from the lower bowl.
Jerry Sloan: The Original Bull and First Retired Number
Jerry Sloan's No. 4 was the first of the Chicago Bulls jerseys retired by the franchise, lifted to the rafters in 1978 shortly after his playing career ended. Sloan, nicknamed "The Original Bull," was selected by Chicago in the 1966 expansion draft and became the team's first star.
According to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Sloan was a two-time All-Star and earned six NBA All-Defensive Team selections during his Bulls tenure. He averaged 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over 10 seasons with Chicago.
His rugged, physical style of play defined the early Bulls identity and set a defensive standard that later championship teams would follow.
Sloan later became a Hall of Fame coach with the Utah Jazz, but his No. 4 remains a permanent fixture in Chicago. The Bulls retired his jersey just two years after he left the team, reflecting his foundational role.
How to apply this: Watch archival footage of Sloan's 1970s Bulls games on NBA League Pass to understand why his defensive intensity earned him this honor.
Bob Love: From Overlooked to Immortalized
Bob Love's No. 10 became the second of the Chicago Bulls jerseys retired when the franchise honored him in 1994. Love's path to this recognition was not straightforward, which makes his story particularly compelling.
Love played for Chicago from 1968 to 1976 and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer at the time of his departure. He earned three All-Star selections and three All-NBA Second Team nods. According to the Bulls' official team records, Love averaged 21.3 points per game during his Bulls career and led the team in scoring for seven consecutive seasons.
A severe stutter limited Love's public profile during his playing days, and he worked as a busboy at a department store restaurant after his career ended. The Bulls eventually hired him as a community ambassador, and his jersey retirement in 1994 recognized both his on-court excellence and his personal resilience.
How to apply this: Read Love's autobiography to understand the full scope of his journey from overlooked prospect to franchise legend.
Michael Jordan: The Most Famous Retired Jersey in Sports
The No. 23 Chicago Bulls jerseys retired in honor of Michael Jordan carry global significance unmatched by any other number in professional sports. Jordan's first retirement ceremony occurred in 1994, an unusual situation since he had temporarily left basketball to pursue baseball.
Jordan returned to the Bulls in 1995 wearing No. 45 before switching back to No. 23 later that season. The franchise had already retired the number, but Jordan continued wearing it with the organization's blessing. According to Forbes, Jordan's Bulls jersey remains the best-selling throwback jersey in NBA history, with consistent annual sales that outpace many current players.
Jordan's Bulls resume includes six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, five regular-season MVP awards, and 10 scoring titles. The No. 23 banner hangs alongside a statue outside the United Center, and the number has become shorthand for basketball excellence worldwide.
How to apply this: Check the official NBA Store or Fanatics for licensed Jordan throwback jerseys, which carry authentication tags verifying their legitimacy.
Scottie Pippen: The Final Retired Number (For Now)
Scottie Pippen's No. 33 rounds out the Chicago Bulls jerseys retired by the organization, with his ceremony taking place in 2005. Pippen spent 12 seasons with the Bulls across two stints and was the indispensable sidekick to Jordan during all six championship runs.
Pippen earned seven All-Star selections and 10 All-Defensive Team honors with Chicago. According to the Basketball Reference database, Pippen ranks second in Bulls franchise history in steals, assists, and rebounds, trailing only Jordan in several categories. His versatility as a point-forward revolutionized the position and influenced generations of players.
The 2005 ceremony was an emotional event attended by Jordan, Phil Jackson, and many former teammates. Pippen's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame followed in 2010, cementing his legacy alongside the other retired Bulls legends.
How to apply this: Compare Pippen's career statistics with other Hall of Fame small forwards using Basketball Reference to appreciate his all-around impact.
Why the Bulls Have Retired So Few Numbers
The selectivity of Chicago Bulls jerseys retired stands out when compared to other franchises. The Boston Celtics have retired over 20 numbers, while the Los Angeles Lakers have retired more than 10. The Bulls' approach reflects a deliberate philosophy about what constitutes true franchise immortality.
Several players have strong arguments for future retirement but have not received the honor. Dennis Rodman's No. 91, Horace Grant's No. 54, and Toni Kukoc's No. 7 all contributed significantly to championship teams. Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, wore No. 1 and remains beloved in Chicago despite his injury-shortened prime.
The organization has not publicly stated specific criteria for jersey retirement, but the pattern suggests a requirement of sustained excellence, franchise-defining impact, and Hall of Fame credentials. This high bar makes each retired number more meaningful.
How to apply this: Follow Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf's public statements and team press conferences for hints about future retirement decisions.
How to Identify Authentic Retired Jersey Merchandise
When shopping for Chicago Bulls jerseys retired merchandise, counterfeit products are a significant concern. The NBA estimates that millions of dollars in fake merchandise are sold annually through unauthorized channels.
Authentic jerseys from licensed retailers like Fanatics and the NBA Store include specific authentication features. Look for the holographic NBA logo, proper stitching on the name and number, and a sewn-in Nike or Mitchell & Ness tag with a specific production date.
Mitchell & Ness produces the official throwback jerseys for retired players, and their products include a certificate of authenticity.
Prices for authentic retired player jerseys typically range from $100 to $350 depending on the edition. Counterfeit jerseys often sell for $30 to $60, a price point that should raise immediate red flags.
How to apply this: Before purchasing, verify the seller is listed as an authorized retailer on the NBA's official website and inspect product photos for the holographic authentication markers.
Frequently Asked Questions About chicago bulls jerseys retired
Who decides which Chicago Bulls jerseys get retired?
The Bulls' ownership group, led by Jerry Reinsdorf, makes the final decision on Chicago Bulls jerseys retired. The process typically involves input from team executives and sometimes former players. Unlike some franchises that use fan voting or statistical benchmarks, the Bulls have no published criteria, which has led to debates about deserving players who have been overlooked.
Has any Bulls player worn a retired number after it was retired?
Michael Jordan wore No. 23 after its 1994 retirement when he returned to the Bulls in 1995. The franchise allowed this exception because Jordan was the player being honored. No other player has worn a retired Bulls number, and the team has not indicated it would grant similar exceptions in the future.
Wearing No. 23 after its ceremony made Michael Jordan the only exception to the chicago bulls jerseys retired rule.
No other Bulls player has suited up in a number once it joined the list of chicago bulls jerseys retired.
Will Derrick Rose's No. 1 jersey ever be retired by the Bulls?
The question of Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls jerseys retired conversation remains unresolved. Rose won the 2011 MVP award, the youngest player ever to do so, but his Bulls career was derailed by knee injuries. His case is complicated by his relatively short peak and the franchise's stringent standards, though many fans advocate for the honor.
What is the difference between a retired jersey and a jersey in the Bulls' ring of honor?
The Bulls introduced a Ring of Honor in 2024 that recognizes a broader group of contributors beyond the four Chicago Bulls jerseys retired. This distinction allows the franchise to honor players like Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant, and Toni Kukoc without retiring their numbers. The Ring of Honor includes players, coaches, and front-office figures who made significant contributions.
Can fans purchase officially licensed retired Bulls jerseys with the original player names?
Yes, Mitchell & Ness produces officially licensed throwback jerseys for all four retired Bulls players. These Chicago Bulls jerseys retired replicas use period-accurate materials and designs. The company holds the NBA license for vintage merchandise, and their products are available through authorized retailers including the NBA Store and Fanatics.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bulls jerseys retired by the franchise tell a story of excellence, selective honor, and lasting legacy.
- Only four numbers hang in the United Center rafters: Jerry Sloan's No. 4, Bob Love's No. 10, Michael Jordan's No. 23, and Scottie Pippen's No. 33.
- The franchise's selectivity makes each retirement more meaningful than the volume-based approaches of other teams.
- Authentic merchandise requires verification through licensed retailers and specific authentication markers.
- Future retirements remain uncertain, with Derrick Rose and other candidates awaiting decisions.
Your next step is to visit the United Center, see the banners in person, and appreciate the standard these four players set for every Bulls player who follows.
