The Chicago Bulls were founded in 1966 and are famous for their iconic red, black, and white uniforms. The franchise’s legacy centers around six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998), all won during their historic dynasty, and a parade of Hall of Famers gracing their roster. Jerry Reinsdorf is the longtime owner of the Bulls.
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Derrick Rose are among the generational greats who graced the court of Chicago basketball. Here are the 10 greatest Chicago Bulls players in NBA history.
10) Horace Grant
Horace Grant was a key member of the Bulls’ first three-peat (1991–1993), providing elite defense and rebounding. Over his seven seasons in Chicago, he averaged 12.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. A one-time All-Star, Grant was also a vital defensive presence, earning All-Defensive Team honors in 1993.
9) Chet Walker
Chet Walker was an elite scorer for the Bulls in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Over six seasons, he averaged 20.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He was a four-time All-Star with the Bulls and helped lead them to multiple playoff appearances. Walker was known for his smooth scoring ability and veteran leadership. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
⭐ Hall Of Famer
⭐ NBA Champion
⭐ 7X All Star
⭐ Chicago Bulls Ring Of Honor Inductee
Rest and Love to an absolute Legend. Chet “The Jet” Walker pic.twitter.com/ZmdN64CTSV— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO_Bulls) June 9, 2024
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Players in History
8) Toni Kukoč
Toni Kukoč was one of the most important role players in the Bulls’ second three-peat (1996–1998). The Croatian forward averaged 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his Chicago tenure. He won the 1996 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and was a key playmaker alongside Jordan and Pippen.
Today, Toni Kukoc joins the Hall of Fame!
3x NBA Champion
3x EuroLeague Champion
3× EuroLeague Final Four MVP
FIBA EuroBasket MVP
FIBA World Championship MVP
FIBA Hall of Famer@HoopHall | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/osPOZZd9Nx— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 11, 2021
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Shooting Guards of All Time
7) Bob Love
Bob Love was the Bulls’ first true scoring star, averaging 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game over his nine seasons with the team. A three-time All-Star, he led Chicago to multiple playoff appearances in the 1970s. Love was also a three-time All-Defensive selection, known for his ability to score in the mid-range and lock down opponents defensively. His No. 10 jersey was retired by the Bulls in recognition of his contributions.
6) Jerry Sloan
Jerry Sloan was the original face of the Chicago Bulls and one of the toughest players of his generation. Over his 10 seasons with the franchise, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Known for his elite defense, he was a two-time All-Star and made six All-Defensive Teams. Sloan became an icon in Chicago, later coaching the Utah Jazz for decades. His No. 4 jersey was the first ever retired by the Bulls.
2x All-Star as a player and Hall of Fame Head Coach. The NBA Family mourns the loss of Jerry Sloan (1942-2020).pic.twitter.com/fTk3e3xbZS
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 23, 2020
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Philadelphia 76ers Players in NBA History
5) Artis Gilmore
Artis Gilmore played seven seasons for the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 19.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Gilmore was a five-time All-Star with the Bulls and one of the most efficient scorers of his era. He still holds the franchise record for field goal percentage (.587).
4) Dennis Rodman
Over three seasons in Chicago, Dennis Rodman averaged 5.2 points and 15.3 rebounds per game. He led the NBA in rebounding each year and was an integral part of the 1996, 1997, and 1998 championship teams. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year before arriving in Chicago, Rodman’s relentless hustle and rebounding dominance helped solidify the Bulls’ defense. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
5x NBA Champion, 7x NBA Rebound Leader, 8x All-Defensive… Happy 60th Birthday to The Worm, Dennis Rodman!#NBAVault #NBABDAYpic.twitter.com/IdelbIrnLl
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 13, 2021
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Boston Celtics Players in NBA History
3) Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose became the youngest player to win NBA MVP (2011) at just 22 years old. During his peak with the Bulls, he averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Rose led Chicago to the best record in the NBA (2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons) before injuries derailed his career. A three-time All-Star, Rose helped bring Chicago back into championship contention.
2) Scottie Pippen
Over his Bulls career, Scottie Pippen averaged 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He was a key part of all six NBA championships, known for his elite defense and versatility. Pippen was a seven-time All-Star, a 10-time All-Defensive Team member, and was named NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1994. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Scottie Pippen turns 55 today.
🏆 6x NBA Champion
🔒 8x All-Defensive First Team
🏅 2x Olympic gold medalist
⭐️ Naismith Basketball Hall of FamerStill one of the greatest posters of all time. pic.twitter.com/fRIsXZf125
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 25, 2020
Who is the greatest Chicago Bulls player of all time?
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Over his 13 seasons with the Bulls, he averaged 31.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He led Chicago to six NBA championships (1991–1993, 1996–1998) and won six NBA Finals MVPs. Jordan was a five-time NBA MVP, a 10-time scoring champion, and a 14-time All-Star. He earned All-Defensive First Team selections. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, Jordan remains the face of the Bulls franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the Chicago Bulls’ all-time leading scorer?
Michael Jordan holds the Bulls franchise record with 29,277 career points.
Which Bull is the franchise leader in rebounds?
Artis Gilmore is the Bulls’ all-time leader in rebounds, with over 5,870 boards.
How many triple-doubles did Scottie Pippen record for Chicago?
Scottie Pippen tallied 17 triple-doubles as a member of the Bulls.
Who holds the Bulls franchise record for field goal percentage?
Artis Gilmore leads Chicago with a career field goal percentage of .587.
How many NBA championships have the Bulls won?
The Chicago Bulls captured six NBA titles, all won during the Michael Jordan era (1991–1993, 1996–1998).
