The Chicago Bulls were established as an expansion team in 1966, becoming the third NBA franchise in Chicago after the Stags and the Packers/Zephyrs (now the Washington Wizards).1)
In their debut season (1966–67), the Bulls made the playoffs, becoming the fastest expansion team to do so in NBA history at the time.2)
Their first head coach was Johnny “Red” Kerr, and their first MVP-caliber player was Bob Love, who had multiple All-Star appearances in the 1970s.3)
The Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft after the Houston Rockets took Hakeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie.4)
Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls won six NBA championships (1991–1993, 1996–1998).5)
The Bulls are one of only two franchises to achieve two separate three-peats (the other being the Lakers).6)
The 1995–96 Bulls finished with a then-record 72-10 regular-season record, setting an NBA milestone that stood until the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors won 73 games.7)
Michael Jordan retired twice from the Bulls: first in 1993 to play baseball and again in 1999 after his second three-peat.8)
In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan scored 38 points despite suffering from flu-like symptoms, securing a crucial win against the Utah Jazz.9)
Jordan’s game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz remains one of the most iconic moments in basketball history.10)
Scottie Pippen was the first Bull to record a quadruple-double (1994) and remains one of the greatest all-around players in NBA history.11)
Rodman led the NBA in rebounds for seven consecutive seasons, including all three championship years with the Bulls (1996–1998).12)
Croatian forward Toni Kukoč was one of the first European stars in the NBA and played a crucial role in the second three-peat.13)
The Bulls moved into the United Center in 1994, leaving their previous home, Chicago Stadium.14)
Outside the United Center stands a famous statue of Michael Jordan, which was unveiled in 1994.15)
The Bulls led the NBA in home attendance for over a decade, even during rebuilding years.16)
In 2011, Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history at age 22.17)
Under coach Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls became known for their elite defense, led by players like Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler.18)
Drafted as a late first-round pick in 2011, Jimmy Butler developed into a multiple-time All-Star and one of the league’s best two-way players.19)
The 1995–96 Bulls never lost back-to-back games, an NBA record.20)
Michael Jordan scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in the 1986 playoffs, still the most in a single postseason game.21)
The Bulls are the only franchise with six or more Finals appearances without a single series loss.22)
Michael Jordan became the first player to lead the NBA in both scoring and triple-doubles in a single season (1988–89).23)
Dennis Rodman once grabbed 34 rebounds in a game in 1992, showcasing his rebounding dominance.24)
Jordan’s famous game-winning shot over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs against the Cavaliers is one of the most replayed highlights in NBA history.25)
The Bulls-Pistons rivalry was one of the most intense in NBA history, with Detroit using the infamous “Jordan Rules” to slow down MJ.26)
The Bulls and New York Knicks had fierce playoff matchups throughout the 1990s, featuring intense battles between Jordan and Patrick Ewing.27)
Michael Jordan’s iconic movie Space Jam (1996) was filmed during his return to the NBA.28)
The 2020 ESPN/Netflix documentary The Last Dance became one of the most-watched sports documentaries of all time.29)
Famous Bulls fans include Barack Obama, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper.30)