The Chicago Bulls have long been a bedrock of basketball excellence and engaged fan bases. Fans of the NBA often think of the Chicago Bulls as the embodiment of hardworking and successful teams, as they have won six championships since their creation in 1966 under the ownership of Arthur Wirtz. With some of the best players in the sport, from Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, the Bulls have established a legacy for winning and playing the game the right way.
Legendary Bulls: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and More
When it comes to the Chicago Bulls, the first names that jump to mind are Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. These two Hall of Famers are considered to be two of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game and by far the most successful duo in Bulls history. They were together for six of the Bulls' championships and their accomplishments on the court have cemented them in basketball lore forever.
Michael Jordan is an iconic figure in the world of sports and is often called the greatest basketball player of all-time. He is known for his incredible ability to take over games and will himself to victory. His skill on the court, along with his famous “air dunks” and clutch shooting, have made him a global icon and a legend in every corner of the NBA world. From 1986 to 1998, Jordan was a part of the Bulls and was hands down the star attraction. His finals MVP awards and ability to lead the Bulls to six championships are proof of his legendary status.
Scottie Pippen is another iconic Chicago Bull and an integral part of the team’s six championships. Pippen was an absolutely dominant player, able to out-rebound, out-pass and out-defend anyone on the court. On top of his impressive physical abilities, Pippen also brought an incredible basketball IQ to the court that allowed him to read the game and make the necessary plays to win. He was more than just Jordan’s running mate, as he was an excellent leader and critical part of the team.
A Balanced Team: Everyone Contributed to the Bulls’ Dynasty
While Jordan and Pippen are both undeniably important pillars of the Bulls’ dynasty, the Bulls’ lineup was incredibly deep, and featured other stars like Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant, and Toni Kukoc. This created a balanced team that had stars all the way down the roster who could step up when needed. Grant was renowned for his dominance on the boards and Kukoc was a sharpshooter and playmaker who was more than capable of taking over a game. Rodman is seen as one of the greatest defensive players of all-time and is also remembered for his outlandish antics and individualism.
Aside from the stars, the Bulls also featured multiple strong role players that often flew under the radar, such as Steve Kerr and John Paxson. While most remember the stars, it was the role players who created the perfect balance needed to win games and ultimately championships. Their consistent efforts and willingness to do whatever it took are just another example of the team first mentality that created the Bulls’ dynasty.
The Coaches: Phil Jackson and Tom Thibodeau
The Bulls not only had an amazing array of talent and great role players, but also had excellent coaching. The two main coaches during the run of six championships were Phil Jackson and Tom Thibodeau. Jackson was the head coach for the first three championships and is widely considered one of the greatest coaches to ever lead an NBA team. His trademark triangle offense and ability to motivate players was key in the Bulls’ success.
Tom Thibodeau was the head coach for the last three championships and was almost the opposite of Jackson. While Jackson was more of a mentor, Thibodeau was the disciplinarian, instilling in his players a “toughness” and dedication to the game. His toughness and hard nosed mentality paid off as the Bulls were able to get over the hump and win the title in 2011.
The Legacy
As the Chicago Bulls remain one of the most successful teams in NBA history, their fans will never forget the incredible run of six championships in eight seasons. Thanks to masterful coaching and a group of superstars uniting together, the Bulls remain an iconic franchise in basketball and an example of what it means to make a name for yourself. Be sure to check out TMTPLAY Casino Online Philippines if you’re looking for an extraordinary gaming experience.
