History of the Chicago Bulls 1984-2023

Book excerpt: The Michael Jordan era (1984-98) changed the home atmosphere of half-empty stands to SRO crowds, media hordes, downtown parades, Grant Park celebrations, and drama – perhaps too much drama before (and after!) MJ took a brief leave-of-absence. Led by coach Phil Jackson, it was Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, BJ Armstrong, Craig Hodges, John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, and Toni Kukoc who either joined him in the championship run or kept the team playoff-bound until he returned. The second 3-peat included Kukoc, former Detroit Pistons Bad Boy Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, and Luc Longley. The Bulls’ post-Jordan era brought 6 years of lean times, then back to the playoff hunt. Those who emerged and thrived were Elton Brand (2000 ROY), Ben Gordon (2005 6th Man), Andres Nocioni, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah (2014 Player of the Year), Derrick Rose (2008 ROY, 2011 MVP), Jimmy Butler, and current stars DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White. What you'll find inside... § End of the Year Standings, Home/Away records, and Best/Worst records vs. opponents. § Club & League news: rule changes, trends, trades, suspensions, and noteworthy games § Stat leaders: Top Scoring, Rebounding, Assists, Blocks, 3-point percentage, and FT percentage § Year End Awards include Hall of Fame inductees, First Team Offense & Defense, and Finals outcome