History of the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are one of the NBA's most iconic and successful franchises. Since entering the league as an expansion team in 1966, the Bulls have captured six NBA championships, produced some of basketball's greatest players, and become one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world. While the franchise experienced periods of rebuilding and disappointment, the arrival of Michael Jordan transformed the Bulls into a global phenomenon during the 1990s. Today, Chicago remains one of the NBA's flagship organizations, with a rich history defined by championship excellence, legendary players, and an enduring worldwide fan base.

The NBA Comes to Chicago

Professional basketball returned to Chicago in 1966 when the NBA awarded the city an expansion franchise.

The Bulls became the third NBA team to represent Chicago, following the Chicago Stags (1946–1950) and the Chicago Packers/Zephyrs (1961–1963), which later relocated and eventually became the Washington Wizards franchise.

The team's name was chosen by owner Dick Klein, who wanted a name reflecting Chicago's famous meatpacking industry. The "Bulls" fit perfectly with the city's stockyards heritage and was short, memorable, and powerful.

The Bulls immediately became competitive, qualifying for the playoffs during their inaugural 1966–67 season, a rarity for an expansion franchise.

Early Success

The franchise's first stars included:

• Jerry Sloan
• Bob Love
• Chet Walker
• Norm Van Lier
• Tom Boerwinkle

Under head coach Dick Motta, Chicago developed into one of the NBA's toughest defensive teams during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The 1971–72 Bulls won a franchise-record 57 games, reaching the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although Chicago became a consistent playoff team, the franchise was unable to advance to the NBA Finals during this era.

Bob Love and Jerry Sloan

Throughout the 1970s, Bob Love emerged as the team's leading scorer while Jerry Sloan became one of the NBA's premier defensive guards.

Love earned three consecutive All-Star selections and remains one of the greatest players in Bulls history.

Sloan's relentless defense and toughness made him a fan favorite, and both players eventually had their jersey numbers retired by the organization.

Years of Struggle

Following the retirement of its early stars, Chicago entered a difficult rebuilding period.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Bulls struggled despite talented players including:

• Artis Gilmore
• Reggie Theus
• Orlando Woolridge
• David Greenwood

The franchise desperately needed a superstar who could return Chicago to championship contention.

That player arrived in 1984.

Michael Jordan Changes Basketball

The 1984 NBA Draft forever changed NBA history.

Chicago selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie.

Jordan immediately became one of the league's brightest stars.

During his rookie season he averaged:

• 28.2 points per game
• 6.5 rebounds per game
• 5.9 assists per game

Jordan won the 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and quickly established himself as one of the NBA's biggest attractions.

His scoring ability, athleticism, competitiveness, and charisma transformed both the Bulls and professional basketball.

Building Around Jordan

Although Jordan became the league's top scorer almost immediately, postseason success proved elusive.

The Bulls repeatedly lost to the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and especially the Detroit Pistons, whose physical "Bad Boys" defense frustrated Chicago for several seasons.

Recognizing that Jordan needed more help, the Bulls drafted Scottie Pippen fifth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Chicago also selected Horace Grant later in the first round.

These two selections became franchise-changing decisions.

Phil Jackson and the Triangle Offense

In 1989, assistant coach Phil Jackson became head coach.

Jackson implemented Tex Winter's Triangle Offense, emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and teamwork.

The offense allowed Jordan to become an even more complete player while maximizing the talents of Pippen, Grant, and the supporting cast.

In the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, Chicago swept the Detroit Pistons to finally reach the NBA Finals.

The First Three-Peat

The Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals, winning the franchise's first championship.

Jordan earned the first of his six NBA Finals MVP Awards.

Chicago successfully defended its title by defeating:

• Portland Trail Blazers (1992)
• Phoenix Suns (1993)

The Bulls became the first team since the 1960s Boston Celtics to win three consecutive NBA championships.

Jordan's First Retirement

Following the murder of his father, James Jordan, Michael Jordan shocked the sports world by retiring before the 1993–94 season.

Jordan briefly pursued professional baseball.

Without Jordan, the Bulls still won 55 games behind Scottie Pippen and nearly reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Jordan returned late during the 1994–95 season, famously announcing his comeback with the words:

"I'm back."

Although Chicago lost to the Orlando Magic in the playoffs, management knew the team was once again positioned for greatness.

Dennis Rodman Completes the Dynasty

Before the 1995–96 season, Chicago acquired rebounding specialist Dennis Rodman from the San Antonio Spurs.

Rodman joined:

• Michael Jordan
• Scottie Pippen

to create one of the greatest trios in NBA history.

The Bulls finished 72–10, setting an NBA record for regular-season victories at the time.

Chicago defeated:

• Seattle SuperSonics (1996)
• Utah Jazz (1997)
• Utah Jazz (1998)

to complete a second three-peat.

Jordan won six Finals MVP Awards in six NBA Finals appearances.

The Last Dance

Following the 1997–98 championship, disagreements between owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Jerry Krause, and coach Phil Jackson ended the dynasty.

Jackson departed, Jordan retired for a second time, Scottie Pippen was traded, and Dennis Rodman left in free agency.

The dynasty was later chronicled in ESPN's acclaimed documentary series The Last Dance.

Rebuilding the Franchise

Chicago entered another lengthy rebuilding process.

The franchise drafted several talented players including:

• Elton Brand
• Ron Artest
• Jamal Crawford
• Tyson Chandler
• Eddy Curry

Despite individual talent, consistent playoff success remained elusive.

Derrick Rose Revives Chicago

Hope returned when Chicago selected hometown hero Derrick Rose with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Rose won the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

By 2011, he became the youngest player ever to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

The Bulls finished with the NBA's best regular-season record before injuries derailed their championship hopes.

The Tom Thibodeau Era

Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls became one of the NBA's elite defensive teams.

Key contributors included:

• Joakim Noah
• Luol Deng
• Carlos Boozer
• Taj Gibson
• Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler Takes the Torch

Following Rose's decline due to injuries, Jimmy Butler emerged as Chicago's next superstar.

A late first-round draft pick, Butler developed into an All-Star through relentless work ethic and elite two-way play.

A New Generation

The Bulls entered another rebuilding phase during the late 2010s.

Young players including:

• Zach LaVine
• Lauri Markkanen
• Coby White
• Patrick Williams

became the foundation of the franchise.

In 2021, Chicago acquired:

• DeMar DeRozan
• Lonzo Ball
• Alex Caruso

The Bulls returned to the playoffs in 2022 and continue working toward championship contention.

United Center

Since 1994, the Bulls have played at the United Center, sharing the arena with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.

Outside the arena stands the famous Michael Jordan "The Spirit" statue, one of basketball's most visited landmarks.

Chicago Bulls Timeline

Hall of Fame Players

• Michael Jordan
• Scottie Pippen
• Dennis Rodman
• Artis Gilmore
• Jerry Sloan
• Bob Love
• Chet Walker
• Robert Parish
• George Gervin
• Ben Wallace

Franchise Greats

• Michael Jordan
• Scottie Pippen
• Derrick Rose
• Jerry Sloan
• Bob Love
• Artis Gilmore
• Joakim Noah
• Jimmy Butler
• Luol Deng
• Horace Grant
• Zach LaVine
• DeMar DeRozan
• Toni Kukoč
• Dennis Rodman

Notable Coaches

• Dick Motta
• Doug Collins
• Phil Jackson
• Scott Skiles
• Tom Thibodeau
• Fred Hoiberg
• Billy Donovan

Legacy

The Chicago Bulls transformed from a successful expansion franchise into one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports. Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls captured six NBA championships during the 1990s and helped make basketball a global game.

Their championship teams remain the standard against which modern NBA dynasties are measured, while Jordan's influence turned the Bulls into one of the world's most recognizable sports brands. Even decades after their last championship, the Bulls remain one of the NBA's marquee franchises, with generations of fans inspired by their tradition of excellence and pursuit of another title.