NBA: Chicago Bulls' All-Time starting 5

The Chicago Bulls are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NBA. They have won six NBA championships in their history, all of those during the era of Michael Jordan, who is arguably the greatest basketball player that ever lived.

Founded in 1966, the Bulls were very successful during their early years with nine playoff appearances in their first 11 seasons. During that era, the team was led by Jerry Sloan, who is considered one of the best players in Bulls history and one of the greatest coaches ever.

The Bulls had a rough stretch in the early 80s but it all changed when they selected Jordan third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft. The appointment of Phil Jackson helped Jordan realise his full potential, as well as the team’s potential.

Even though the Bulls have been bad in recent years, they have produced a lot of great players throughout their history. Without further ado, here are the Chicago Bulls’ all-time starting five.

Centre – Artis Gilmore

Artis Gilmore gets enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame

Averaging 19.3 points and 11.1 rebounds during his two stints with the Bulls, Artis Gilmore arrived in Chicago via the ABA-NBA merger. He was drafted first overall in the 1976 dispersal draft and he spent six seasons with the Bulls, wherein he was a four-time All-Star.

Gilmore only led the Bulls to the playoffs twice during his first stint with the team but it’s enough for him to be included in the team’s all-time starting five. He ranks seventh scoring, sixth in rebounds, and first in blocks in the Bulls’ all-time leaderboard.

Honourable Mention: Joakim Noah

The heart and soul of the Bulls for nine seasons, Joakim Noah was never a scorer but a tenacious defender and energy player. Noah was a two-time All-Star while with the Bulls, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014. He ranks ninth in total games and minutes played, fourth in rebounds, and third in blocks in franchise history.

Forward – Jerry Sloan

Selected in the 1966 expansion draft, Jerry Sloan was the first great player for the Bulls. He spent ten years in Chicago and he was named an All-Star twice. He was also one of the best defenders of his era with four All-Defensive First Team and two All-Defensive Second Team selections.

Sloan sits fourth in total games played, fifth in points and rebounds in franchise history. Due to all of his accomplishments, his No. 4 was the first jersey retired by the team. But despite his solid playing career, Sloan is more popular as the longtime head coach of the Utah Jazz.

Honourable Mention: Chet Walker

In six seasons with the Bulls, Chet Walker helped the team reach the playoffs six times. In the Bulls’ all-time leaderboards, he ranks sixth in scoring and third in total free throws made. Along with his first seven years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Walker earned his place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Forward – Scottie Pippen

Some will say that Scottie Pippen was just a sidekick of Michael Jordan during his years with the Bulls. However, that is not true because Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history and he was ahead of his time. He was a point forward and his versatility on defence helped shaped the current generation of the NBA.

Pippen, a Hall of Famer, ranks second in points, third in rebounds, second in assists, second in steals, and fourth in blocks for the Bulls. Being in the top five of the five major categories show how just great Scottie was. Jordan would have never won a title without the help of Pippen.

Honourable Mention: Bob Love

Bob Love’s No. 10 jersey is just one of the four jerseys retired by the Bulls. That shows how good Love was during his nine-year stint in Chicago. He was a three-time All-Star with the Bulls and he is still third in total points and tenth in rebounds for the franchise.

Guard – Derrick Rose

The youngest MVP in NBA history, Derrick Rose was in the perfect situation with the Bulls. He was drafted first overall by his hometown team and he made the leap to superstardom in just his third season, his MVP year.

However, injuries have devastated Rose’s career and he moved on from the Bulls in 2016. Currently playing as a sixth man for the Timberwolves, Rose was one of the best players to ever wear the red and black jerseys. He is tenth in points and fifth in assists for the Bulls despite all the games missed due to various injuries.

Honourable Mention: Norm Van Lier

Playing seven seasons with the Bulls, Norm Van Lier was an underrated player alongside the likes of Jerry Sloan and Chet Walker. Despite that, Van Lier was an All-Star three times and he made seven All-Defensive teams during his stint in Chicago. He died at the age of 61 years old in 2009 without his jersey being retired.

Guard – Michael Jordan

Jordan with his sixth NBA Finals MVP trophy alongside Bulls' coach Phil Jackson

There is no question why Michael Jordan is in the Bulls’ all-time starting five. The greatest player of all-time helped the Bulls win six championships in the 1990s and changed the game of basketball forever. A natural scorer, Jordan was also known for his clutch ability and defence. His absurd competitiveness was legendary and part of why he became the best ever.

Jordan holds a lot of Bulls’ records including total games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made, free throws made, and many more. He also ranks second in blocks and fourth in three-pointers made. He also has five NBA MVPs, six NBA Finals MVPs, and 14 All-Star appearances to his name.

Honourable Mention: Reggie Theus

Spending the first six years of his career in Chicago, Reggie Theus was a two-time All-Star with the Bulls. He was a versatile guard that could play the point or the two. He ranks ninth in scoring, sixth in assists and eighth in steals in the franchise leaderboards.

Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.