The Chicago Bulls are one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history. They established an unforgettable dynasty during the 1990s by winning six championships. The legendary Michael Jordan was one of the main reasons behind the team’s glory who gave his best in every game. Apart from Jordan, there have been many other great players who were an important part of the franchise. On that note, let’s have a look at the 10 best players in the history of Chicago Bulls franchise history.
10. Toni Kukoč
Toni was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1990 but continued to play in Europe. He finally entered the NBA in 1993 and played for the Bulls. Toni was a fantastic player and played his part in Bulls’ second three-peat. He played seven seasons for the franchise, averaging 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Croatian still ranks in the top 10 list of franchise history in assists, steals and VORP.
9. Kirk Hinrich
Kirk began his NBA career with the Bulls after being drafted by them in the 2003 draft. During his eleven seasons with the team, he averaged 11.4 points, 5.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He ranks first in franchise’s three-point field goals, third in assists and eighth in points. After playing for eight years with the Bulls, Hinrich was traded to Washington Wizards but played only one season with them. Then he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and he played one season with them as well. He finally returned to the Bulls and played four seasons with them before going to Atlanta in 2016 and playing his last season in the league.
8. Jerry Sloan
Jerry Sloan played 10 seasons with the Chicago Bulls and averaged 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Although Sloan didn’t win the championship with the franchise, he led the Bulls to the conference finals in the 1974–75 season but lost to the Golden State Warriors. He ranks fifth on the franchise’s point list as well as the rebounds list.
7. Luol Deng
Luol Deng was the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and was selected by the Phoenix Suns. However, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls before his debut. Deng went on to become one of the best players for the Chicago Bulls. He played ten seasons with the franchise and scored 16.1 points per game, averaged 2.5 assists and grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game. He ranks fourth on franchise’s points list, ninth on rebounds, fifth on steals and fifth on VORP.
6. Bob Love
Bob Love was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1965 NBA draft but failed to make the team. He spent the 1965–66 season playing in the Eastern Basketball League. In 1968, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Bob and traded him to Chicago in the middle of the 1968–69 season. He played nine seasons with the franchise, averaging 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He was Bulls’ top scorer for several years, until Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen displaced him. But Bob still ranks third on the points list.
5. Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah played nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls. During his prime, Noah was one of the best centers in the league. He was not only great on offense but defense as well. During his time with the Bulls, Joakim averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. He ranks third in blocks in team history and fourth in rebounds.
4. Artis Gilmore
Artis Gilmore played seven seasons with the Chicago Bulls, from 1976 to 1982. He gave great performances in every game and averaged 19.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 blocks. He was an incredible player for the Bulls, but he just missed winning a championship with them. Gilmore ranks first in franchise history in blocks, sixth in rebounds and seventh in points.
3. Horace Grant
Horace was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1987. He played seven seasons with the franchise and averaged 12.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He was an important player in Chicago’s first three-peat. Grant ranks sixth in franchise history blocks and steals and seventh in rebounds. He was an incredible power forward for the team during the 1990s.
2. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen was Michael Jordan’s right-hand man and together, both players led the Bulls to many iconic wins. Jordan was an exceptional player, but it must be acknowledged that history would not have been the same without Pippen. He was an important man during the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Pippen played 12 seasons with the franchise and averaged 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the best player in Chicago Bulls history, but he is also considered the greatest player in league’s history. He led the Bulls into a dominating franchise, leading them to six championships. Jordan was always the Finals MVP. Many NBA fans believed that if he had not retired after the 1992–93 season, the Bulls would have won eight consecutive championships. Jordan is clearly the all-time leader in points, assists, rebounds, steals, win shares and VORP in franchise history. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Jordan was a legendary player and there will be no one like him ever.
Also Read: 10 Best Players in The History of Los Angeles Lakers
