Taking a trip back in time and looking at Jordan’s Bulls
Harmannat Singh, Staff Writer
The 1990s marked a defining era in NBA history, often referred to as the “Golden Era”, largely due to the unprecedented dominance of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. With six championships and two three-peats in eight years (1991-93 and 1996-98), the Bulls set a new standard for success and excellence in basketball. This team was not only built around the extraordinary talent of Jordan but also supported by key players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Under the guidance of their head coach, Phil Jackson, the Bulls built a dynasty that many consider to be the greatest in basketball history.
Jordan’s influence on the Bulls’ success was unmatched at the time. Known for his elite scoring and clutch performances, Jordan led the league in scoring for 10 seasons and claimed five MVP awards. Signature moments, like his performance in the 1997 “Flu Game” and the iconic game-winning shot over Bryon Russell in the 1998 Finals, epitomized his legendary status and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
While Jordan was the centerpiece, the Bulls’ dominance was also due to the contributions of Pippen and Rodman. Pippen’s remarkable defensive skill and versatility perfectly complemented Jordan’s scoring abilities, making them one of the most feared duos in NBA history. Rodman’s incredible rebounding also added a crucial element that secured extra possessions and allowed the Bulls’ to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
But was this the best team ever assembled? In the 1995-96 season, arguably their best, the Bulls finished with a 72-10 regular season record, the highest at that time. They continued dominating throughout the postseason: they swept the Heat and the Magic, beat the Knicks in five games, and the Supersonics in six games in the finals. A major reason for their success was their “triangle offense”, a strategic system that promoted ball movement and teamwork, which was executed to near-perfection and allowed them to maximize their collective talent.
Comparing this to other super teams, such as the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, as well as the Miami Heat with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, and Chris Bosh, requires considering the evolution of basketball. Today’s NBA is vastly different from Jordan’s era – it has a faster pace, a greater emphasis on three-point shooting, and positionless players who are more versatile. These changes make comparisons across eras complex, but the Bulls’ adaptability and defensive capabilities would certainly position them as competitors.
Jordan and Pippen’s defensive skill would allow them to guard shooters effectively, and Rodman’s rebounding and hustle would disrupt modern-day fastbreak strategies. However, guarding shooters like Curry, Thompson, and Durant would be a challenging task, as the Bulls simply did not have any experience guarding shifty players like them. For example, assuming Pippen guards Durant and Jordan guards Curry, an aging Ron Harper would be left to guard Klay Thompson.
Overall, I believe that the Bulls were a very high IQ team who, under Jackson, would be able to adapt to the modern game and compete with other super teams. The only teams that would be able to challenge them, in my opinion, would be the 2016-17 Warriors, and the 2012-13 Heat. Nevertheless, it is impossible to say anything for certain, and the fact remains that while basketball has evolved, the 1990s Chicago Bulls were one of the best teams ever assembled, and their impact on the game has been unparalleled.
