22
Oct
5 min read
Chicago Bulls NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
The Chicago Bulls have won 6 NBA championships
- Two NBA Championship Threepeats in the 1990s
- Won 72 games in 1995-96
- Traded for Gosh Giddey in 2024
The Chicago Bulls are one of the most successful and storied franchises in NBA history, leaving an indelible mark on basketball and popular culture.
Key details
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Year Founded: 1966
Home Arena: United Center
Championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Major Rivals: Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers
Australians who have played for the Chicago Bulls
Luc Longley: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA. He joined the Bulls in 1994 and was a key member of the team during their second three-peat, winning championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Longley served as the starting centre, providing a strong defensive presence and contributing to the team's success.
Chris Anstey: From Melbourne, Anstey played for the Bulls during the 1999–2000 season. He appeared in 73 games, averaging 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Anstey was known for his versatility and shooting ability as a big man.
Luke Schenscher: From Hope Forest, South Australia, Schenscher had a brief stint with the Bulls during the 2005–2006 season. He played in 20 games, averaging 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Schenscher provided depth at the centre position during his time with the team.
Cameron Bairstow: Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Bairstow was drafted by the Bulls in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He played for Chicago from 2014 to 2016, appearing in 36 games and averaging 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. Bairstow was known for his work ethic and physical style of play.
Josh Giddey: From Melbourne, Victoria, Giddey was traded to the Bulls in June 2024. Prior to joining Chicago, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he showcased his playmaking abilities and versatility. Giddey is expected to be a significant contributor to the Bulls' backcourt.
Identity
The Bulls' identity was forged in the crucible of the 1990s, when they became the NBA's preeminent dynasty. Under the leadership of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls developed a team philosophy centred on unselfish play, stifling defense, and clutch performances. Their "Triangle Offense" revolutionised NBA strategy, while their "Iron Five" lineup epitomised positional versatility.
The Bulls cultivated a winning culture predicated on relentless work ethic, mental toughness, and an unquenchable competitive drive. This mindset, personified by Jordan's legendary intensity, became the franchise's defining trait. Even in leaner years, the Bulls have strived to embody this championship ethos.
Legacy & Impact
The Bulls' greatest era from 1991-1998 yielded six championships in eight years, including two three-peats. This run of dominance, powered by the transcendent talents of Jordan and Pippen, elevated the Bulls to global prominence and helped propel the NBA to unprecedented popularity worldwide.
The 1995-96 Bulls, who went 72-10 in the regular season, are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Their record stood for 20 years until the Golden State Warriors won 73 games in 2015-16.
Beyond their on-court success, the Bulls became a cultural touchstone. Their iconic red jersey and bull logo achieved universal recognition, while players like Jordan and Dennis Rodman became larger-than-life figures who transcended sports.
Five Fast Facts
- The Bulls are the only NBA franchise to win multiple championships without ever losing in the NBA Finals.
- Michael Jordan won all six of his NBA Finals MVP awards with the Bulls.
- The Bulls' 72 wins in 1995-96 set an NBA record that stood for 20 years.
- Chicago won an NBA-record 44 consecutive home games from 1995-1996.
- The Bulls led the NBA in attendance for 17 consecutive seasons from 1987 to 2003.
Club Timeline
1966: Bulls founded as an NBA expansion team
1984: Draft Michael Jordan with 3rd overall pick
1987: Draft Scottie Pippen, acquire Dennis Rodman in 1995
1991: Win first NBA championship
1996: Win NBA record 72 games, capture 4th title
1996: Australian Luc Longley wins his first of three NBA Championships
1998: Complete second three-peat with 6th championship
2008: Draft Derrick Rose 1st overall
2011: Rose becomes youngest MVP in NBA history
2017: Trade Jimmy Butler, begin rebuild around Zach LaVine
2024: Trade for Australian point guard Josh Giddey
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,327-2,179 (.516 winning percentage)
Championship History: 6 titles (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Hall of Fame Players: 12 (including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman)
Retired Numbers: 4 (4, 10, 23, 33)
Notable Records: Most wins in a season (72 in 1995-96), Longest home winning streak (44 games)
Today
The Bulls are currently in a rebuilding phase, having failed to recapture their former glory since the end of the Jordan era. Led by dynamic scorers Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, the team has shown flashes of potential but struggled to consistently compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago's front office, under the leadership of executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley, is working to construct a roster capable of returning the franchise to championship contention. With a mix of established veterans and promising young talent like Patrick Williams and Coby White, the Bulls are aiming to build a team that can carry on the winning tradition established during the organisation's glory years.
