Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls

Established in 1966, the Chicago Bulls made an impactful entry into the NBA with a commendable record for an expansion team. With players like Bob Love, Chet Walker, Jerry Sloan, and Norm Van Lier, playoff appearances became a routine between the 1969-70 and 1974-75 seasons. Yet, advancing beyond the initial round remained a challenge.

Enter Michael Jordan

Following the departure of these standouts, the team entered a slump for the better part of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

1984 saw a significant change. Michael Jordan was selected in the NBA draft as the third overall pick. He quickly showcased his potential by winning the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award in 1984–85 and became instrumental in the Bulls making 14 straight playoff appearances. Despite his brilliance, playoff success remained elusive during his early years.

Scottie Pippen and The Evolution

Scottie Pippen, added to the roster in 1987, perfectly complemented Jordan. The two quickly became a force to reckon with. Still, the introduction of coach Phil Jackson and the triangle offense system in 1989 shifted gears.

The Bulls advanced multiple times to the Eastern Conference finals, even pushing the Detroit Pistons to seven games in 1990. Their breakthrough came in 1991 when they beat the Los Angeles Lakers to win their first NBA championship. A three-peat followed as the Bulls regained the title in 1992 and 1993.

Brief Interruption and Return to Glory

Post the 1992-93 season, Jordan took a brief hiatus from basketball. During this time, the Bulls struggled, facing early playoff exits. Jordan’s return in 1995 brought hope, and the acquisition of Dennis Rodman the same year fortified the team further.

The Bulls set an NBA record in 1995-96 with 72 wins in a season and clinched the championship by defeating the Seattle Supersonics. 1997 and 1998 saw repeats as the Bulls triumphed over the Utah Jazz in the finals.

A Fall from Grace and the Slow Rise

The end of the 1997-98 season marked significant changes. Jordan’s second retirement closely followed Phil Jackson’s departure. Key players like Pippen and Rodman also left. The result? The Bulls plummeted, securing the worst Eastern Conference record for four seasons. However, a gradual rebuilding process culminated in consecutive playoff appearances from 2004-05 onwards.

Derrick Rose and the Bulls’ New Era

Star point guard Derrick Rose’s entry brought renewed hope. The 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons saw the Bulls topping the NBA charts. Unfortunately, injuries to Rose meant the team couldn’t capitalize on this momentum in subsequent playoffs.

Despite challenges, the Bulls, showcasing their tenacity, made playoff appearances even without their superstar.

Recent Rebuilds and The Way Forward

Changes continued as Derrick Rose departed and hometown hero Dwyane Wade joined forces with emerging star Jimmy Butler in 2016-17, leading to another playoff appearance. However, the following season saw Wade and Butler leave, resulting in decreased victories and triggering yet another rebuild.