The Chicago Bulls franchise is one of the most accomplished in NBA history. Their 6 NBA titles are 4th all-time, as the franchise has never experienced a loss in the NBA Finals, mainly thanks to the presence of Michael Jordan. No doubt, Jordan is the greatest player in Chicago Bulls’ history and the greatest player of all time. When looking at the all-time greatest lineup of the Bulls, Michael has to be included because he has meant more to the franchise (and the NBA) than anyone else. But who else joins him in the all-time Chicago Bulls lineup, taking one player from each decade starting in the 1980s?
We recently saw how the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup was formed with all-time great players, but how do the best Bulls players rank among each other in each decade? We also saw how iconic the Golden State Warriors lineup is, so can Chicago compete with theirs? By narrowing down the list of the greatest players to ever play for the iconic Chicago Bulls franchise, it is clear to see how these legends’ careers panned out for them. Here is a starting five of players that managed to play for the Bulls, taking one player from the 1980s decade, 1990s decade, 2000s decade, 2010s decade, and 2020s decade.
The starting lineup will include two backcourt players and three frontcourt players, with at least one of each player coming from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s decades. The names that we all expect will be on there, but there will need to be some tough decisions to make to fill out the lineup.
Guard: Derrick Rose (2010s Decade)
Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Decade Statistics: 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The most talented point guard in Bulls history, Derrick Rose, probably should have played every season of his career with the franchise. The superstar was not only a terrific offensive player but one of the most athletic players of all time. The youngest MVP in history, Rose accomplished so much with the Bulls in a short amount of time, taking into account 3 All-Star Teams, the 2009 Rookie of the Year award, and the 2011 MVP award.
Unfortunately, Rose was unable to stay healthy, and we were robbed of witnessing a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. Even if Rose only had 3 years at a truly elite level, he showed enough to earn his spot on the all-time starting lineup. No player in NBA history (other than Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant) could explode as fast as Rose, and it was a joy to watch the point guard go to work in his prime.
Guard: Zach LaVine (2020s Decade)
Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Decade Statistics: 25.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
There is no doubt that Zach LaVine was going to always start at the other guard position alongside Derrick Rose. One of the top 20 talents in the game right now and arguably a top-ten scorer of the 2020s decade, Zach LaVine would be an incredible addition at the shooting guard spot because of his elite scoring ability and otherworldly athleticism. Can one imagine what it would be like to see Rose and LaVine on the fast break? That is without even mentioning the other superstars in this lineup.
LaVine has averaged over 25 PPG in the decade so far, doing so on 47.4% FG and 39.2% 3-PT FG. LaVine will be the best sharpshooter in the lineup, and his floor spacing will be critical to the team’s success, along with his ability to use athleticism to punish defenders. Making two All-Star Teams in the 2020s decade so far, Zach will be a very fun addition to the all-time Chicago Bulls roster.
Guard: Michael Jordan (1980s Decade)
Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Decade Statistics: 32.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG
There was stiff competition for the starting shooting guard position. It was either going to be Michael Jordan or Andrés Nocioni, but Michael ended up getting the nod. All jokes aside, MJ could have made it in either the 1980s or 1990s decade, but to accommodate his all-time great teammate Scottie Pippen (who blossomed in the 1990s), Michael from the 1980s was selected. Guess what? There was absolutely no drop-off in terms of production.
Michael burst onto the scene in his rookie season in 1985, averaging 28.2 PPG, making the All-Star Team, and winning Rookie of the Year in the greatest rookie campaign ever. Michael would go on to make every All-Star Team for the rest of the 1980s, capturing 3 scoring titles and also winning an MVP and Defensive Player of the Year award. Michael, in the 1980s, was already the greatest talent of all time, even if he had not won any of his 6 NBA championships yet.
Forward: Scottie Pippen (1990s Decade)
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Decade Statistics: 19.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG
An all-time great player who is mainly known as Michael Jordan’s dominant sidekick above anything else, Scottie Pippen was part of an iconic Chicago Bulls side that won 6 NBA titles through two separate 3-peats. Sure, Michael’s presence as the best player in the game was the main reason the Bulls had so much success, but Scottie’s defense and leadership were also invaluable. Just by looking at his numbers in the 1990s, it is obvious Scottie was a defensive superstar.
Scottie could lock up any player the entire length of the court thanks to his 6’8” and 210 lb frame that came with a whopping 7’3” wingspan. Pippen was impossible to score against when the forward was locked in, and his ability alongside Michael formed the greatest perimeter defensive duo ever. On offense, Scottie was a talented playmaker and the second option on the team, and his presence as a bona fide superstar allowed the Bulls to win 6 NBA titles in the 1990s.
Forward: Luol Deng (2000 Decade)
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Career Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
This is a surprise choice as the player of the 2000s decade, but Luol Deng will be chosen to play small-ball center. The player normally occupied the forward positions, but at 6’9” and 237 lbs, Deng has the size and physical abilities to start at center, with Scottie Pippen acting as a small-ball forward. Deng is one of the greatest defenders in Chicago Bulls history, which makes him a perfect fit for the Bulls, who will employ a modern style of play.
Deng averaged 15.4 PPG and 6.3 RPG over the 2000s decade, making the All-Rookie Team in 2005 as a 19-year-old. The South Sudan national was known to be an unselfish player who competes on defense, makes open shots, and rebounds the ball at a high level. With Deng at the frontcourt position, the Bulls can literally switch everything on defense and also space the floor around Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose, who will be the ones attacking defenses the most.
How Many Games Would This Team Win? Are Multiple Championships Possible?
Clearly, this team is stacked when looking at each player’s unique skillsets. Jordan is the leader of the team, using his ability to score anytime he wants to wreak havoc on defenses and create shots for his teammates as well. Zach LaVine is the best shooter on the team, and his nearly 40% 3-point percentage will be invaluable when Michael draws two or three defenders at a time. The result? A ton of points scored for this Bulls side. Oh, and there is Derrick Rose, arguably the most athletic point guard of all time.
Rose’s ability to explode to the rim complements Jordan’s and LaVine’s very well, especially when he is attacking the rim and taking over ball-handling duties to allow for off-ball movement. Remember, Rose averaged over 6 APG over his stint with the Bulls during the 2010s decade and is more than capable of leading his team in assists. Luol Deng spacing the floor and not occupying the paint means the lane is wide open for the superstars to attack and create offense. No doubt, Chicago will need to employ the modern style of offense that we see today. Finally, Scottie Pippen’s versatility on defense means the Bulls can switch everything and lock down players with 3 elite defenders. Pippen is capable of acting as a power forward, small forward, shooting guard, and point guard at times which means the Bulls will always vary their style of attack.
How many NBA championships would this team win, realistically? At the very least, they would win a minimum of 62 games per season which places them in a position to occupy one of the top-two seeds in the Eastern Conference every year. With their level of elite scoring, teams will struggle to contain them on defense because if LaVine or Rose go cold, Michael Jordan is always there to carry the offense. Remember, Michael went 6-0 in the NBA Finals with Pippen beside him, so how many titles would he win with LaVine, Rose, and Deng by his side?
With a minimum of 62 wins per season, the Bulls’ all-time starting lineup would finish with a top-2 seed in the Western Conference every year and have the best chance to make the NBA Finals. With everything in their favor in terms of home-court advantage and superstar players, this starting lineup would win at least 6 NBA championships in 6 years, and possibly 8 over 10 years. How could this team be denied on offense when Michael must be double-teamed, and he has Rose, LaVine, Pippen, and Deng to pass the ball to? It is a foregone conclusion that this team will be impossible to stop on offense, as they will average 120 PPG with ease.
The biggest weakness might be in their size because Pippen is not a natural power forward, and Luol Deng is not a natural center. But in today’s style of play, Deng at 6’9” could easily play small-ball center, and Pippen can use his 7’3” wingspan to be a deterrent inside. Of course, it can be discussed whether the games will be played in 2020 rules or rules in any other era. With 2020 rules, this team might win more than 62 games per season on average because of spacing and offense rules above all. It will be tougher in the 1980s or 1990s era because they lack 7-footers, but one will never argue against Michael Jordan when he has at least 3 superstar teammates beside him. Overall, the Bulls accumulate 62 wins per season on average and win 8 championships over a decade regardless of the rules.
Source: fadeawayworld
