Who are the Chicago Bulls' best players of all time? Ranking the icons of the Windy City

Chicago Bulls are best known for their incredible success in the 1990s, when they won six NBA championships in eight years, including two three-peats. Overall, the team has won six conference titles, nine division titles, and has reached the playoffs 36 times. The Bulls are also the only team in NBA history to win six championships without ever losing an NBA Finals series.

Because of their dominance during the 1990s, it is not surprising that many of the greatest players in franchise history come from this era. basketscores.com looks back at the Chicago Bulls’ best players of all time.

Chicago Bulls' best players of all time

5. Derrick Rose

Rose was selected by the Bulls with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and quickly made an impact. He won Rookie of the Year and helped lead the team back to the playoffs. In the 2010/11 season, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history at just 22 years old, averaging 25 points and 8 assists per game.

However, his promising career was seriously affected by injuries. In 2012, he suffered a torn ACL, which forced him to miss the entire 2012/13 season. After returning, he continued to struggle with knee injuries. Although he still showed flashes of brilliance, he was never able to fully regain his previous form. In 2016, Rose was traded to the New York Knicks, ending his eight-year career with the Bulls. Even without a championship, he remains one of the most memorable stars in the franchise’s modern era.

4. Dennis Rodman

Although he did not receive as much attention as Jordan or Pippen, Rodman was a crucial part of the Bulls’ second three-peat from 1996 to 1998. He joined the team in 1995 after playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

Many people initially questioned whether Rodman’s controversial personality would cause problems for the team. Instead, he fully embraced his defensive and rebounding role, allowing Jordan and Pippen to focus on scoring.

Despite playing only three seasons with the Bulls, Rodman led the NBA in rebounds during that period, averaging 15.3 rebounds per game. Although he was not known for scoring, his defensive presence and rebounding ability helped fill the gap left by Horace Grant and played a key role in the team’s success.

3. Horace Grant

Horace Grant was another important piece of the Bulls dynasty, especially during the first three-peat from 1991 to 1993. Drafted by the Bulls in 1987, Grant quickly established himself as a reliable power forward thanks to his mobility, strong rebounding, and solid mid-range shooting. After Jordan’s first retirement, Grant had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 15.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, which earned him an NBA All-Star selection. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice.

Grant’s defensive work, screens, and smart positioning helped reduce pressure on the team’s star players and made him an essential part of the Bulls’ championship teams.

2. Scottie Pippen

Playing as a small forward, Pippen served as the team’s main playmaker and ball handler alongside Jordan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest perimeter defenders in NBA history thanks to his length, speed, and versatility.

Pippen could defend multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards. One of his most famous moments came in the 1991 NBA Finals when he was assigned to guard Magic Johnson, which significantly shifted the momentum of the series.

Pippen’s defensive excellence earned him eight consecutive selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team from 1992 to 1999. He also played a key role in all six Bulls championships alongside Jordan.

1. Michael Jordan

Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan ranks first on this list. He is not only the greatest player in Chicago Bulls history but also one of the most influential athletes in the history of sports. Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships and never lost a Finals series, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record while winning Finals MVP in every championship. He also earned five NBA MVP awards during his career.

Jordan produced many unforgettable moments, including the famous “Flu Game” during the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, when he scored 38 points despite severe illness. Another legendary moment was “The Last Shot” in 1998, when he hit the game-winning basket against the Jazz to secure the Bulls’ sixth championship.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Jordan helped transform the Bulls into one of the most valuable and globally recognized franchises in sports. Today, his statue outside the United Center remains a popular destination for basketball fans around the world.

BasketScores has reviewed the Chicago Bulls’ best players of all time. For more updates about NBA schedules and global basketball news, please visit our page through the link provided.