Table of Contents
Chicago Bulls
Founded in 1966
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)
Fastest Expansion Team to Make the Playoffs
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)
First Coach & MVP
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)
Drafting the GOAT
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)
Six Championships in the 1990s
Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls won six NBA championships (1991–1993, 1996–1998).5)
Two Three-Peats
The Bulls are one of only two franchises to achieve two separate three-peats (the other being the Lakers).6)
The 72-Win Season
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)
Jordan’s Retirements
Michael Jordan retired twice from the Bulls: first in 1993 to play baseball and again in 1999 after his second three-peat.8)
Flu Game Legend
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)
The Last Shot
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)
Pippen’s Contribution
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)
Dennis Rodman’s Rebounding Dominance
Rodman led the NBA in rebounds for seven consecutive seasons, including all three championship years with the Bulls (1996–1998).12)
Toni Kukoč – The European Sensation
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)
Home of the Bulls
The Bulls moved into the United Center in 1994, leaving their previous home, Chicago Stadium.14)
The Jordan Statue
Outside the United Center stands a famous statue of Michael Jordan, which was unveiled in 1994.15)