Billy Donovan sends a heartfelt message to Ring of Honor inductees

on Saturday, Chicago Bulls will host a special occasion, apart from the battle with the Washington Wizards. The day after theirs A 36-point loss to the Miami Heatgame will be the Ring of Honor’s annual recognition ceremony organizations legends.

This year, Taurus will celebrate the legacy of Horace Grant, John Paxton, Bill Cartwright, Norm Van Leer, Neil Funk and Johnny Bach. Before the game, the head coach Billy Donovan provided a statement of thanks the individuals being honored.

“I to think it is great,” Donovan said. “All the people who have contributed to the organization and the success here is remarkable. That’s it it’s great to see all those guys being rewarded and recognized. Obviously, their personal achievements and team achievements that they are was part of.”

Bulls coach Billy Donovan congratulates the Ring of Honor recipients

“I think it’s great,” Donovan said. “All the people who have contributed to the organization and the success here is outstanding. It’s great to see all those guys being rewarded and recognized.” pic.twitter.com/5G0VhvKm5N

— Zachary Draves (@DravesZachari) November 23, 2025

This is the second time the Bulls have hosted the occasion. In 2024, the first ring of honor ceremony celebrated achievements Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Jerry Krause and, of course, Michael Jordan. It’s also during that ceremony fans infamously booed the announcement Krause’s widows presence.

The ceremony will take place at halftime.

Achievements of the awardees for 2025

For starters, Van Leer played for the Bulls from 1971 to 1978. During that span, he became a three-time NBA All-Star and ranked 15th in franchise history. In 1977, Van Leer set the record for the longest field goal in NBA history at 84 feet.

Grant played for the Bulls from 1987 to 1994 and was an integral part of their first triple-A team. He was a strong defender and rebounder who became an All-Star in 1994. Cartwright joined Chicago in 1988 and played until 1994.

He was also a critical part of the first three championship teams as a starting center. In 1997 and 1998, Cartwright won two more titles as an assistant coach. Paxton was the starting quarterback for the top three. In Game 6 of the 1993 Finals, Paxton hit a game-winning 3-pointer against the Phoenix Suns.

Funk was the Bulls’ longtime play-by-play radio broadcaster for 29 years, including all six championship years. Bach was an assistant coach from 1986 to 1994. His most remarkable legacy was orchestrating “Doberman” defense, which was key for bulls the first three wins in the championship.