Legendary Bulls Players
I am a Chicago Bulls fan. I have been one all my life. I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the 10 greatest Bulls players of all time. These 10 players range from the 1960’s all the way to the present time. They have forever left their mark with the Chicago Bulls. This list can be argued by many, but these are the players that I think have left the biggest impact on Chicago and the Bulls team. I would now like to get into the list of players.
I would like to begin my list with Kirk Hinrich. He has developed the nickname “Captain Kirk” over the years. This name definitely suits his playing ability. Hinrich came to the Bulls in 2003. He was Chicago’s first round draft selection. He entered that years draft with the likes of Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. He was picked 7th overall which says a lot about his playing ability. Kirk Hinrich went to the University of Kansas. He had a great career in Kansas and was ready for the NBA. Hinrich was the Bulls starting point guard all the way up until 2008 when Derrick Rose replaced him. He was able to lead the Bulls to the playoffs in 2005. Before that season, the Bulls hadn’t made the playoffs in seven years. He also led the Bulls to the playoffs in the following two seasons and once again in 2009. Although he is a semi-new player to the Bulls, he has left his mark. He brought the Bulls out of their slump and carried them to the NBA playoffs. This is why I think Kirk Hinrich deserves the number ten spot.
The number nine spot has to go to Dennis Rodman or the “worm” as someone people called him. Rodman was pretty much given to the Bulls in a trade with San Antonio. This proved to be a big mistake for the Spurs. Rodman was brought in to replace famed Horace Grant. His main strengths were rebounding and strong defense. His amazing defense earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in his career. I think Rodman was best known for his on and off court antics. Every game you could find him sporting a new hair style or look. I found his whole charade very entertaining to say the least. Although he had an awkward way of expressing himself, he was still a great basketball player. Rodman was part of the Bulls dynasty era in which he won 3 NBA Titles.
The number eight spot goes to Horace Grant. Grant was a 6’10 power forward that came from Clemson University. He was selected tenth in the 1987 NBA draft by the Bulls. Grant was well known for wearing his goggles during every game. He was a key player for the Bulls in the early 90’s. He helped lead the team to three NBA Championships with his superior rebounding and shooting ability. Unfortunately he was traded away in 1994 to the Orlando Magic.
The number seven spot goes to Tony Kukoc. Kukoc played with the Bulls from 1993-1999. He was a great player even though he didn’t start. He was the Bulls sixth man. He would replace Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. He helped the Bulls win three titles in his time there.
The number six spot belongs to Chet Walker or “Chet the Jet”. Walker was acquired from the 76’ers in a trade. He never was able to win a championship with the Bulls, but he did hold a ring from the 76’ers. Walker was the Bull’s starting forward. He played along side the players like Jerry Sloan and Norm Van Lier. He averaged 19 points and 5 rebounds a game. He ranks fifth on the Bulls all-time scoring list and third in free-throws made.
The number five spot goes to Norm Van Lier or “Stormin Normin”. The Bulls selected him in 3rd round of the 1969 NBA Draft and immediately traded him away. He was reacquired two years later in another trade. Van Lier has made the NBA All-Star team many times in his career. He is the Bulls third all-time leader in assists and steals. He is also ranked in the top 10 in minutes players, games played, field goals, and free throws.
The number four is earned by Bob Love. Love led the Bulls in scoring for seven consecutive seasons while he was there. He made three NBA All-Star appearances. He is currently ranked third on the Bulls all-time scoring list with 12,623 points. He even had his number retired by the Bulls in 1994.
The number three spot goes to Jerry Sloan. Sloan earned the nickname “the original bull” because he was the first draft selection by the Bulls when they expanded into the NBA. He was able to lead the Bulls to the playoffs in their first year in the NBA. Sloan made two NBA All-Star teams and also made the NBA All-Defensive team 6 times. Sloan’s number 4 was the first ever number retired by the Chicago Bulls.
The number two player is of coarse the great Scottie Pippen. Pippen was Michael Jordan’s right hand man on the court. Those two worked together to produce six NBA Championships for the Bulls. Scottie was well-known for being one of the games best outside defenders. He was named to 10 NBA All-Defensive Teams. He was also part of 7 NBA All-Star Teams. Scottie Pippen will always be remembered in Chicago.
And finally, the number one player for the Bulls is none other than Michael Jordan. Jordan can even be considered the number one player of all time, let alone the Bulls number one player. He was the central reason for the Chicago Bulls success in the 90’s. He led the charge to 6 NBA Championships. Jordan holds countless records in the NBA. He also was named regular season MVP 5 times, finals MVP 6 times, Defensive Player of the Year 1 time, and made the All-Star Team 12 times. When most people think of the Chicago Bulls, they think of Michael Jordan. He brought fire and vigor back into NBA Basketball. In my opinion he is the best player who has ever lived.