Longtime Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause passed away today at the age of 77.
Krause was with the Bulls organization for 18 years, including the time during their championship dynasty in the 90s led by Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Krause didn't always see eye to eye with Jordan and Pippen during his tenure as Bulls GM, but today MJ released the following statement regarding Krause's death.
Per TMZ,
"Jerry was a key figure in the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s and meant so much to the Bulls, the White Sox and the entire city of Chicago."
"My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Thelma, his family and friends."
Other Bulls players like Stacey King and Bill Cartwright also commented on his passing, as did Phil Jackson who credited Krause with being the architect of Chicago's dynasty in the 90s.
The Bulls released the following statement via NBA.com,
“The entire Bulls organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Krause,” said Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Jerry was one of the hardest working guys I have ever been around, and he was one of the best talent evaluators ever. Jerry played an integral role in our run of six championships in eight years. He truly was the architect of all our great teams in the ’90s. I would not have been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame if it were not for Jerry. We will miss him tremendously, and we send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Thelma and the Krause family.”
Check out some of the other messages below.