Jerry Krause, legendary NBA executive, passed away on March 21, 2017 at the age of 77. Krause is recognized for his strategic role in building the Chicago Bulls team that was the first in NBA history to three-peat a championship, in the 1990s. He was the Bulls general manager and executive vice president between 1985 and 2003. His tireless efforts allowed the team to rise to the top of the league, and the organization still proudly celebrates their championship victories. Krause began his career as a scout in the NBA in 1965, with the Baltimore Bullets. Under his leadership, the team won the 1978 championship and he went on to join the Chicago Bulls, where as general manager, he drafted and signed key players, such as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, who were critical to the Bulls’ championship runs. Krause was named NBA Executive of the Year in 1996 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Additionally, Krause served in various positions throughout the NBA,including master scout for the Phoenix Suns and Assistant General Manager for the Los Angeles Lakers. He leaves behind a wife, Thelma, a son, Scott, and a daughter, Allison. His death will be deeply felt by basketball fans around the world, and he will be remembered as a masterful NBA executive.