The Legacy of Number 45: Who Wore It After Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls?

Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, is synonymous with the number 23 for the Chicago Bulls. However, the number 45 also carries a significant legacy for the team, with only a few players having worn it after Michael Jordan's tenure. In this article, we will explore the history and subsequent players who donned the number 45 for the Chicago Bulls.

A Short History of Chicago Bulls and Number 45

The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Eastern Conference Central Division in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Among the numbers retired by the Bulls, 45 has not been long honored due to the limited number of players wearing it since Michael Jordan's retirement in 1993.

Paul Shirley (2004)

The first player to wear 45 for the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan was Paul Shirley. A career-long journeyman, Shirley wore the number for less than a year between 2003 and 2004. Shiely joined the Bulls in the middle of the 2003–2004 season and appeared in only 24 games, contributing notably during his brief spell with the team.

Luke Schenscher (2006)

In 2006, Luke Schenscher became the second player to wear number 45 for the Chicago Bulls. Schenscher was signed as a free agent that year and wore the number until he left the team in 2007. During his tenure, Schenscher played in 37 games, averaging 8.7 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game. While not a standout player, his time with the Bulls contributed to the legacy of number 45.

Rasual Butler (2011)

Rasual Butler, now a veteran player, is likely the most memorable to fans who have followed the team more recently. Butler wore number 45 from 2011 to 2012 for the Chicago Bulls. His time with the team was notable, and he played in 69 games that year. Butler averaged 4.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, making his stint with the Bulls a memorable one.

Denzel Valentine (2017 – Present)

The most recent player to don number 45 for the Chicago Bulls, Denzel Valentine, has been wearing the number since 2017. Still active with the team today, Valentine's career with the Bulls has been characterized by his all-around gameplay. He has played in 56 games since 2017, contributing 3.9 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game. His time with the Bulls is still ongoing, and he continues to be an integral part of the number 45 legacy.

Related Numbers and Players

It is interesting to note that only six players wore number 12 after Michael Jordan, while no player wore number 23 on the Chicago Bulls since Jordan. These statistics highlight the unique relationship between the former superstar and the team, as well as the various players who have worn different numbers over the years.

Here are some tips to explore the number history:

Players Page: Visit a player's page and click on the jersey icon to see a list of every player who has worn that number. This feature works on both the Chicago Bulls and Baseball Reference sites. Rare Photos: Search for rare photos of Grant Hill and Michael Jordan matched up on the court. This can provide a visual to the legacy they shared with the Chicago Bulls.

In conclusion, the number 45 has been worn by a select few players on the Chicago Bulls, each adding their own unique chapter to its legacy. From Paul Shirley in 2004 to the present day, teams and fans alike have continued to honor the memory of number 45 with the players who have worn it.