ANNOUNCEMENT.
I am writing a book.
"6 Rings: The Bulls, The City, and the Dynasty that Changed the Game"
Coming in 2021.
Want to join me for my research ride?
Subscribe to my newsletter, right here: readjack.substack.com
What will this be? Let me tell you.
A thread.
I am writing a book.
"6 Rings: The Bulls, The City, and the Dynasty that Changed the Game"
Coming in 2021.
Want to join me for my research ride?
Subscribe to my newsletter, right here: readjack.substack.com
What will this be? Let me tell you.
A thread.
If you were here for it,
If you were in the city or the suburbs,
If you were in the state or in the country,
If you were overseas or at the Stadium,
If you sat courtside or at home,
If you were a child or you’d seen it all,
The Dynasty was a lifestyle.
If you were in the city or the suburbs,
If you were in the state or in the country,
If you were overseas or at the Stadium,
If you sat courtside or at home,
If you were a child or you’d seen it all,
The Dynasty was a lifestyle.
The Dynasty was in your home.
It was on your clothes.
It was at your job.
It was on the train.
It was on TV.
It was on your mind.
It was at the bar.
It was at your birthday party.
It was on your clothes.
It was at your job.
It was on the train.
It was on TV.
It was on your mind.
It was at the bar.
It was at your birthday party.
Your uncle sold a car to Bill Wennington.
You were playing pickup when MJ showed up and called next.
Your parents hired Ray Clay to introduce you at your Bar Mitzvah.
Your buddy was the police officer at the ‘92 rally who didn’t know that Bobby Hansen was Bobby Hansen.
You were playing pickup when MJ showed up and called next.
Your parents hired Ray Clay to introduce you at your Bar Mitzvah.
Your buddy was the police officer at the ‘92 rally who didn’t know that Bobby Hansen was Bobby Hansen.
You were at a softball game in '93 at Thillens Park where Stacey King and Scott Williams played.
You won a raffle to shoot hoops at halftime in ‘91.
You were the ad man who told Dennis Rodman to rip, not roll down, his shirt sleeves for the Bigsby & Kruthers shoot.
You won a raffle to shoot hoops at halftime in ‘91.
You were the ad man who told Dennis Rodman to rip, not roll down, his shirt sleeves for the Bigsby & Kruthers shoot.
You were one of the city workers who assembled the 200 baskets in Grant Park for Shoot the Bull.
Matt Steigenga let you try on his '97 ring.
You were a U.C. ball girl and still have your championship watch from the team that reads “TEAM OF THE DECADE.”
Matt Steigenga let you try on his '97 ring.
You were a U.C. ball girl and still have your championship watch from the team that reads “TEAM OF THE DECADE.”
You were one of the security guards at the Stadium in yellow jackets who cleared MJ's path from his car to the gate.
Or hell, maybe you were Don Calhoun.
Or knew him.
Or picked him from the crowd because of his shoes.
If you know the name "Don Calhoun," I'm talking to you.
Or hell, maybe you were Don Calhoun.
Or knew him.
Or picked him from the crowd because of his shoes.
If you know the name "Don Calhoun," I'm talking to you.
For eight years, the Chicago Bulls were ground zero of damn near everything:
Sports & entertainment.
Culture & fashion.
Politics & business.
If you lived between Kenosha and Gary, between the Atlantic and the Pacific, between Venus and Mars, the Bulls touched your life.
Sports & entertainment.
Culture & fashion.
Politics & business.
If you lived between Kenosha and Gary, between the Atlantic and the Pacific, between Venus and Mars, the Bulls touched your life.
And the closer you were to 1800 W. Madison Street, or to 550 Lake Cook Road, the closer you were to one of the single greatest cultural markers of the 20th Century.
What happened in those buildings and many other arenas around the country is the stuff of legend.
What happened to all of the people who intersected with those heroes is the stuff of Studs.
What happened to all of the people who intersected with those heroes is the stuff of Studs.
I am proud, I am anxious, I am excited — to announce the first book that will examine the Chicago Bulls dynasty in its totality.
This is the story of the team, the games and the players.
But even more, this is our story.
This is what it felt like.
readjack.substack.com
This is the story of the team, the games and the players.
But even more, this is our story.
This is what it felt like.
readjack.substack.com
So, what's the game plan?
Well here's the thing: When I write big projects, I get geeked. I find nuggets. I go down rabbit holes.
And I typically can't share this stuff with anyone because there's too much.
Well, now I can.
At this newsletter.
readjack.substack.com
Well here's the thing: When I write big projects, I get geeked. I find nuggets. I go down rabbit holes.
And I typically can't share this stuff with anyone because there's too much.
Well, now I can.
At this newsletter.
readjack.substack.com
In the past, why couldn't I share?
Well, the bigger the project, the more the research, so when I want to share the process with people — from fun nuggets to Earth-shattering revelations — I have too much to say at any one time.
Like here:
Well, the bigger the project, the more the research, so when I want to share the process with people — from fun nuggets to Earth-shattering revelations — I have too much to say at any one time.
Like here:
Secondly, when I’m in the rabbit hole, I talk LOOOOOONG. And not everyone wants to hear all that.
Some folks just want to say what’s up, talk about, ya know, current sports, and call it a day.
For the people who want to go long with me, we're here:
readjack.substack.com
Some folks just want to say what’s up, talk about, ya know, current sports, and call it a day.
For the people who want to go long with me, we're here:
readjack.substack.com
That’s why every Monday, starting next week, I’ll be taking readers along for the ride on my research and writing.
Interview snippets? Check.
Anecdotes I never knew? Check.
All things obscure? Check.
If this GIF gets you hyped, SUBSCRIBE HERE: readjack.substack.com
Interview snippets? Check.
Anecdotes I never knew? Check.
All things obscure? Check.
If this GIF gets you hyped, SUBSCRIBE HERE: readjack.substack.com
If you’re someone who wants to read my Bulls book, you might also be someone who wants to get a jump start on that material in the first place.
That's what the newsletter is for. You can subscribe at two rates: Pax dollars a month, or Pip dollars a year.
readjack.substack.com
That's what the newsletter is for. You can subscribe at two rates: Pax dollars a month, or Pip dollars a year.
readjack.substack.com
Along with the Bulls book material, subscribers also get news on:
🏀The book’s production timeline
🏀Pre-order information
🏀New Bulls merch I’ll be designing
🏀The first word on dynasty-related events I’ll be hosting
Dish it off for a subscription here: readjack.substack.com
🏀The book’s production timeline
🏀Pre-order information
🏀New Bulls merch I’ll be designing
🏀The first word on dynasty-related events I’ll be hosting
Dish it off for a subscription here: readjack.substack.com
I’ll also have a free option for a monthly update on the book, with teases of what’s in the weekly newsletter.
PARENTS: Do you want to educate your children on the Bulls dynasty they missed? Give the gift of a subscription:
readjack.substack.com
PARENTS: Do you want to educate your children on the Bulls dynasty they missed? Give the gift of a subscription:
readjack.substack.com
Lastly, and most importantly: Do you have a Michael Jordan story? A Scottie Pippen story? A Phil Jackson story?
Hell, do you have a Keith Booth story? A Chip Schaefer story? A John Ligmanowski story?
Email me your dynasty Bulls stories and photos!
6ringsbook@gmail.com.
Hell, do you have a Keith Booth story? A Chip Schaefer story? A John Ligmanowski story?
Email me your dynasty Bulls stories and photos!
6ringsbook@gmail.com.
Thank you to everyone for your support now, in the past, and onward.
The Bulls were so special. I'm ready to re-live it with all of you in this book.
Sign up for the newsletter and don’t miss the first letter next week: readjack.substack.com
With that, I have one question.
The Bulls were so special. I'm ready to re-live it with all of you in this book.
Sign up for the newsletter and don’t miss the first letter next week: readjack.substack.com
With that, I have one question.
Happy birthday Michael Jordan!
Subscribers to "A Shot on Ehlo" will be getting a newsletter at 6 a.m. This one is for everyone who signed up. Enjoy!
readjack.substack.com
Subscribers to "A Shot on Ehlo" will be getting a newsletter at 6 a.m. This one is for everyone who signed up. Enjoy!
readjack.substack.com
Subscribers to "A Shot on Ehlo" woke up this morning with this in their inbox, celebrating #MichaelJordan's birthday.
readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthd…
readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthd…
Remember when I mentioned Don Calhoun? Turns out, musicians in his hometown of Bloomington, IL, wrote a song about him. Thank you to Matt Diller for passing this along!
"The Ballad of Don Calhoun"
LOVE IT
Get on board with the newsletter: readjack.substack.com
audioboom.com/posts/1314047-…
LOVE IT
Get on board with the newsletter: readjack.substack.com
audioboom.com/posts/1314047-…
Free newsletter coming tomorrow morning:
"6 Enduring Mysteries of the Dynasty"
That will tee up our first subscriber newsletter Monday morning — a mega deep dive. Preview below...
readjack.substack.com
"6 Enduring Mysteries of the Dynasty"
That will tee up our first subscriber newsletter Monday morning — a mega deep dive. Preview below...
readjack.substack.com
The below video is fantastic: KG and JR Rider on rookie KG trash-talking MJ, who then took it out on Rider.
It's a perfect depiction of MJ's competitiveness and ability to drive himself with small slights.
But it has a sad backstory too.
It's a perfect depiction of MJ's competitiveness and ability to drive himself with small slights.
But it has a sad backstory too.
The game was played at the U.C. on Feb. 27, 1996. It was KG's first game in Chicago as a pro, and it was the day after his former Farragut teammate Ronnie Fields suffered a broken neck following a brutal car crash.
KG adorned his shoes for Fields. Here they are.
KG adorned his shoes for Fields. Here they are.
Dennis Rodman with the Bulls:
🏀3 seasons
🏀3 rings
🏀3 rebounding titles
🏀15.3 rebounds per game
🏀1996 All-Defensive 1st Team
🏀NBA Finals record 11 offensive boards in a game (2x)
🏀Then-2nd longest NBA suspension ever (11 games)
🏀NYT #1 best-seller
🏀3 seasons
🏀3 rings
🏀3 rebounding titles
🏀15.3 rebounds per game
🏀1996 All-Defensive 1st Team
🏀NBA Finals record 11 offensive boards in a game (2x)
🏀Then-2nd longest NBA suspension ever (11 games)
🏀NYT #1 best-seller
Dennis Rodman's energy was different.
I tell ya, there was nothing like the Dennis Rodman Bulls experience, good and bad.
In the 1997 playoffs:
🏀19 games
🏀18 technical fouls
🏀74 fouls
🏀3 ejections
For the entire 1997 East playoffs, Rodman drew technicals. 13 straight games. 16 techs. Three ejections.
In the 1997 playoffs:
🏀19 games
🏀18 technical fouls
🏀74 fouls
🏀3 ejections
For the entire 1997 East playoffs, Rodman drew technicals. 13 straight games. 16 techs. Three ejections.
If you grew up on the 80s and 90s NBA and you're not following Adam — especially as a Bulls fan — you're missing out on tons of great material, this photo included:
I don't believe Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was a secret suspension.
But if it was, wouldn't David Stern deliver that news to him in person?
Tomorrow at 5 a.m., my newsletter subscribers will receive a day-by-day breakdown of MJ's and Stern's whereabouts that summer.
But if it was, wouldn't David Stern deliver that news to him in person?
Tomorrow at 5 a.m., my newsletter subscribers will receive a day-by-day breakdown of MJ's and Stern's whereabouts that summer.
Let's find out if Jordan & Stern were in the same city the same day in the summer or fall of '93, so Stern could suspend Jordan for gambling.
A logistical hunt to a quarter-century-old conspiracy.
Don't miss out. Subscribe now: readjack.substack.com
A logistical hunt to a quarter-century-old conspiracy.
Don't miss out. Subscribe now: readjack.substack.com
Today’s newsletter is in honor of Kobe Bryant. It won’t make you feel better about the Bulls. But you’ll enjoy it anyway.
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
Free here:
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
Free here:
In 2004, Kobe Bryant was looking at houses and schools in Lake Forest as he moved very seriously toward joining the Bulls in free agency.
If you could go back in time and add Kobe in 2004, but it means we don't get Derrick, would you do it?
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
If you could go back in time and add Kobe in 2004, but it means we don't get Derrick, would you do it?
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
On June 16, 1998, two days after the Bulls won their 6th championship, Sam Smith pitched a Scottie Pippen sign-and-trade:
* Lakers get Pippen
* Bulls get Kobe and, to make the salaries work, Campbell, Horry, Van Exel
Who wins the deal?
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
* Lakers get Pippen
* Bulls get Kobe and, to make the salaries work, Campbell, Horry, Van Exel
Who wins the deal?
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
Per reader request, in 2004, Kobe Bryant considered joining the Bulls as a FA.
Door #1: Kobe in 2004, no Derrick in 2008
Door #2: No Kobe ever, Derrick in 2008, NO 2012 INJURY
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
Door #1: Kobe in 2004, no Derrick in 2008
Door #2: No Kobe ever, Derrick in 2008, NO 2012 INJURY
readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the…
Working on tomorrow morning's newsletter, and came upon this great photo of Oprah with Good News Cliff, Horace, Scott Williams, Scottie and MJ for a show that aired June 17, 1991, five days after winning ring #1.
readjack.substack.com
readjack.substack.com
New "A Shot on Ehlo" hitting inboxes of paid subscribers tomorrow morning: a previously unpublished interview from 2013 with the late, famed photographer Marc Hauser, about what it's like shooting MJ and Dennis Rodman.
Enjoy!
readjack.substack.com
Enjoy!
readjack.substack.com
I've had this interview with the late photographer Marc Hauser in my files since 2013.
Learn the story of the photo shoot with Dennis Rodman for the Bigsby & Kruthers billboard that had to be torn down because it was stopping traffic on the Kennedy.
readjack.substack.com/p/shooting-sta…
Learn the story of the photo shoot with Dennis Rodman for the Bigsby & Kruthers billboard that had to be torn down because it was stopping traffic on the Kennedy.
readjack.substack.com/p/shooting-sta…
New “A Shot on Ehlo”
A reader shares her Michael Jordan story — as does Magic Johnson.
Read now, and send me yours! Email me at 6ringsbook@gmail.com
readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-j…
A reader shares her Michael Jordan story — as does Magic Johnson.
Read now, and send me yours! Email me at 6ringsbook@gmail.com
readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-j…
What was your favorite #MichaelJordan moment in the Finals in the first three-peat?
readjack.substack.com
readjack.substack.com
I feel really fortunate to have had Sam Smith at the Trib growing up, and getting to read him everyday.
We're three weeks into my dynasty Bulls newsletter, and I want to thank everyone who has paid, everyone who has subscribed and everyone who has given feedback. New post hits inboxes tomorrow on a wild '95 Pippen trade story I'd forgotten. Subscribe now!
readjack.substack.com/archive
readjack.substack.com/archive
Scottie Pippen was part of trade rumors for much of his Bulls career.
In today’s newsletter, I look at the time Pip secretly invented a trade about himself, floated the rumor to reporters, and then commented publicly on the likelihood of it happening.
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
In today’s newsletter, I look at the time Pip secretly invented a trade about himself, floated the rumor to reporters, and then commented publicly on the likelihood of it happening.
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
I found a quote from Scottie Pippen from January 1995 that modern Bulls fans will find distressingly relevant.
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
Who was the best non-center in the NBA during Michael Jordan's baseball retirement?
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
In May 1995, Michael Jordan said:
“I just don’t see how you would get equal value (in a trade) for a player like Scottie Pippen. Maybe for a Hakeem Olajuwon, and I’m not even sure you would want to do that.”
Do you agree? No Pippen for Hakeem?
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
“I just don’t see how you would get equal value (in a trade) for a player like Scottie Pippen. Maybe for a Hakeem Olajuwon, and I’m not even sure you would want to do that.”
Do you agree? No Pippen for Hakeem?
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
If the Bulls had Hakeem instead of Scottie in 1996, do our odds of winning the championship improve, decline or stay the same?
‘96 Pip: 19-6-6, 1st team NBA, 1st team D, 5th MVP, 2nd DPOY
‘96 Hakeem: 27-11, 2nd team NBA, 2nd team D, 4th MVP, 5th DPOY
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
‘96 Pip: 19-6-6, 1st team NBA, 1st team D, 5th MVP, 2nd DPOY
‘96 Hakeem: 27-11, 2nd team NBA, 2nd team D, 4th MVP, 5th DPOY
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
If the Bulls had Hakeem instead of Scottie in 1996, do we still win 72 games?
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-…
March 10, 1995:
🏀Michael Jordan officially retires from baseball, hoops return seems imminent
🏀Zach LaVine born
Big day for Bulls basketball!
readjack.substack.com
🏀Michael Jordan officially retires from baseball, hoops return seems imminent
🏀Zach LaVine born
Big day for Bulls basketball!
readjack.substack.com
MJ the strike pawn.
Scottie the trade chip.
Secret Bulls workouts.
And the 45 days that set the table for the second three-peat.
MJ sent his famous "I'm back" fax 25 years ago next week. You've never read a story about it like this.
Catch my piece next week, at @NBCSChicago.
Scottie the trade chip.
Secret Bulls workouts.
And the 45 days that set the table for the second three-peat.
MJ sent his famous "I'm back" fax 25 years ago next week. You've never read a story about it like this.
Catch my piece next week, at @NBCSChicago.
You can't have your sports cancelled by coronavirus if all you watch these days are 90s Bulls games on Youtube.
New newsletter:
The economic impact of MJ's move to baseball, and move back to basketball, including the week in 1995 when stocks for five companies he endorsed outperformed the S&P 500.
#stockmarket
readjack.substack.com/p/the-jordan-i…
The economic impact of MJ's move to baseball, and move back to basketball, including the week in 1995 when stocks for five companies he endorsed outperformed the S&P 500.
#stockmarket
readjack.substack.com/p/the-jordan-i…
Missing sports?
Can’t wait for the Bulls documentary?
My new newsletter is a YouTube guide to six of my favorite Bulls #NBAFinals games.
The rules:
✔️One per Finals
✔️No clinchers
Full broadcast + highlights.
Have a great day and stay healthy!
readjack.substack.com/p/quarantinean…
Can’t wait for the Bulls documentary?
My new newsletter is a YouTube guide to six of my favorite Bulls #NBAFinals games.
The rules:
✔️One per Finals
✔️No clinchers
Full broadcast + highlights.
Have a great day and stay healthy!
readjack.substack.com/p/quarantinean…
The next newsletter at readjack.substack.com?
Interview with Matt Steigenga. He’s got Jordan stories galore, including sharing a beer in the locker room postgame that MJ pulled from a huge cooler.
Coming soon! Whet your appetite here:
Interview with Matt Steigenga. He’s got Jordan stories galore, including sharing a beer in the locker room postgame that MJ pulled from a huge cooler.
Coming soon! Whet your appetite here:
Jumped on with @thecarm and he told me about attending the first Bulls playoff win with Michael Jordan: an elimination Game 3 at the Stadium against the Bucks. Bulls won by 2 on an MJ winner, but the Bucks had a heave at the buzzer that gave Mark a panic.
readjack.substack.com
readjack.substack.com
Hi Bulls fans! If you're thinking about subscribing to my 90s Bulls newsletter, now is the time, as six new interviews are coming, including one tomorrow with Matt Steigenga, and one secret to be revealed.
Check out the list here!
readjack.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-blo…
Check out the list here!
readjack.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-blo…
This makes me happy :)
A whole new generation of Bulls fans!
A whole new generation of Bulls fans!
New at “A Shot on Ehlo”:
The Amazing Tale of Matt Steigenga
This is the first of at least five straight weeks of interviews. That means the monthly subscription of $5 is about to pay off BIG in Bulls stories. Join the party 👊
readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-…
The Amazing Tale of Matt Steigenga
This is the first of at least five straight weeks of interviews. That means the monthly subscription of $5 is about to pay off BIG in Bulls stories. Join the party 👊
readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-…
Watching #BullsRewind? This game was a last stand for the early-90s Knicks — with this series sending them to a reboot with Allan Houston, Larry Johnson and Chris Childs.
A thread:
A thread:
“I’m talking to everybody. No question. We can catch the Bulls.”
— Patrick Ewing, summer of 1996
cc @Herring_NBA @stillgottaChi
— Patrick Ewing, summer of 1996
cc @Herring_NBA @stillgottaChi
In October 1996, Michael Jordan told Spike Lee that if the Knicks had signed Reggie Miller instead of Allan Houston, they would be heading for the 1997 championship.
Fun nugget from my Matt Steigenga interview: When Bulls doctors tried to give a depleted MJ Powerade after the #FluGame, he refused it, and only accepted Gatorade.
(That's Steigenga in the light shirt.)
Subscribe for just $5/month or $33/year to read: readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-…
(That's Steigenga in the light shirt.)
Subscribe for just $5/month or $33/year to read: readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-…
Dynasty history, April 19
1991: Bulls win 60 games for the first time in franchise history.
1992: Bulls set franchise record with 67 wins.
1997: Bulls close season as only team to twice win 69 games.
2020:
1991: Bulls win 60 games for the first time in franchise history.
1992: Bulls set franchise record with 67 wins.
1997: Bulls close season as only team to twice win 69 games.
2020:
There are many ways to contextualize just how huge the Bulls were by 1998, but one is certainly 8,000 people at a Bulls game in Atlanta buying tickets for seats that DIDN'T FACE THE COURT.
#TheLastDance #BullsRewind
readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthd…
#TheLastDance #BullsRewind
readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthd…
As wonderful as these #BullsRewind games have been so far, if this is your first time watching the '96 Bulls in full, you ain't seen nothing yet. This Eastern Conference Finals is the apex of this team.
Things to understand about this Bulls-Magic series.
1. The Bulls' offseason in 1995 was about beating Orlando. They retooled their roster in a few key ways.
First, they surprised everyone by leaving B.J. Armstrong unprotected in the expansion draft:
1. The Bulls' offseason in 1995 was about beating Orlando. They retooled their roster in a few key ways.
First, they surprised everyone by leaving B.J. Armstrong unprotected in the expansion draft:
One of the major advantages Orlando had against us in the 1995 2nd round series was their size at the guard position, and how they used that against the 6'2 B.J.
#BullsRewind
#BullsRewind
Orlando won the '95 series with a 14-0 run to close out Game 6. Armstrong struggled defensively against Nick Anderson:
But Game 6 also showed a glimpse of the '96 Bulls, when we went to this long, rangy, agile lineup:
* Harper (6’6)
* Myers (6’6)
* Pippen (6’7)
* Buechler (6’6)
* Longley (7’1)
* Harper (6’6)
* Myers (6’6)
* Pippen (6’7)
* Buechler (6’6)
* Longley (7’1)
Did you notice the first substitution in this Bulls-Magic game on #BullsRewind?
Phil pulled out Longley and brought in Kukoc. New lineup was:
* Harper (6'6)
* Jordan (6'6)
* Pippen (6'7)
* Kukoc (6'11)
* Rodman (6'7)
No one under 6'6, and no 7-footers.
readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/15/dub…
Phil pulled out Longley and brought in Kukoc. New lineup was:
* Harper (6'6)
* Jordan (6'6)
* Pippen (6'7)
* Kukoc (6'11)
* Rodman (6'7)
No one under 6'6, and no 7-footers.
readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/15/dub…
The Harper-Jordan-Pippen-Kukoc-Rodman lineup was unstoppable during the second three-peat.
They started 17 regular season games.
They went 16-1.
#BullsRewind
They started 17 regular season games.
They went 16-1.
#BullsRewind
The Harper-Jordan-Pippen-Kukoc-Rodman lineup wasn't possible until 1996.
But Phil first talked about it on the eve of the '93-'94 season.
Want to know what the '94 Bulls would have looked like if MJ hadn't retired?
Jordan-Pippen-Kukoc-Grant-Williams.
But Phil first talked about it on the eve of the '93-'94 season.
Want to know what the '94 Bulls would have looked like if MJ hadn't retired?
Jordan-Pippen-Kukoc-Grant-Williams.
Part 2 of the Bulls retooling to beat Orlando in 1996:
Getting a legitimate power forward to replace (and defeat) Horace Grant.
Getting a legitimate power forward to replace (and defeat) Horace Grant.
The Bulls' hunt for a power forward in the 1995 offseason left no stone unturned. They looked at Derrick Coleman, Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason, Christian Laettner and Otis Thorpe.
And then MJ went to a bar in Greenwich Village to personally recruit Jayson Williams.
And then MJ went to a bar in Greenwich Village to personally recruit Jayson Williams.
I love that MJ-Jayson Williams bar recruitment story. I know people like to say, "Jordan never recruited anyone." Krause even said that.
But he did ask Krause for players (Walter Davis, and a variety of draft picks).
And he did recruit Williams.
But he did ask Krause for players (Walter Davis, and a variety of draft picks).
And he did recruit Williams.
Remember when I said the Bulls left B.J. unprotected in the expansion draft, and how surprising that was?
The best pieces of strategy are multi-faceted and open multiple options.
Enter Dennis Rodman.
readjack.substack.com
The best pieces of strategy are multi-faceted and open multiple options.
Enter Dennis Rodman.
readjack.substack.com
When the Bulls left B.J. unprotected in the '95 expansion draft, they accomplished three goals:
1. They opened the PG starting job for Harp.
2. They opened a $2.8m salary slot for a PF.
3. They kept all 3 centers, to trade one.
That one was Will Perdue.
1. They opened the PG starting job for Harp.
2. They opened a $2.8m salary slot for a PF.
3. They kept all 3 centers, to trade one.
That one was Will Perdue.
The salary slot for B.J. Armstrong went to Dennis Rodman. And just like they, the '96 Bulls were complete.
The mutable lineups.
The big guards.
The power forward.
The mutability.
Scoring, defense, shooting, mutability, deep intelligence.
GOAT.
readjack.substack.com
The mutable lineups.
The big guards.
The power forward.
The mutability.
Scoring, defense, shooting, mutability, deep intelligence.
GOAT.
readjack.substack.com
What’s coming in #TheLastDance? Comprehensive history, hopefully.
New “A Shot on Ehlo”: readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-w…
New “A Shot on Ehlo”: readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-w…
I broke down the Bulls-Magic 1996 ECF two nights ago from the perspective of what today's fans who weren't around then need to know about the Bulls. Here's what you have to know about the Magic:
Penny Hardaway was about to be an all-time GREAT.
Penny Hardaway was about to be an all-time GREAT.
Consider Penny's trajectory:
1994: 16 PPG, 5.4/6.6, 2.3 STL, Magic make playoffs first time ever (1st team all-rookie)
1995: 20.9, 4.4/7.2, 1.7 STL, NBA Finals (1st team All-NBA, All-Star, 10th in MVP)
1996: 21.7, 4.3/7.1, 2 STL (1st team All-NBA, All-Star, 3rd in MVP)
1994: 16 PPG, 5.4/6.6, 2.3 STL, Magic make playoffs first time ever (1st team all-rookie)
1995: 20.9, 4.4/7.2, 1.7 STL, NBA Finals (1st team All-NBA, All-Star, 10th in MVP)
1996: 21.7, 4.3/7.1, 2 STL (1st team All-NBA, All-Star, 3rd in MVP)
Penny was an All-Star starter in each year he made the ASG: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. That was a combination of popularity and production. But he was also 1st team All-NBA 1995, 1996, and 3rd team 1997.
MJ even scouted him while he played baseball.
MJ even scouted him while he played baseball.
One basketball itch Jordan wanted to scratch while playing baseball was the opportunity to defeat a new generation of NBA stars. Penny was at the top of the list.
From my 1996 Bulls book:
readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/the…
From my 1996 Bulls book:
readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/the…
From 1996 to 1998 — the entire 2nd three-peat — the East's starting guards were Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway.
After a year scouting Penny and a playoff loss to him, MJ clearly viewed Penny as "next." This is mentor/mentee behavior:
After a year scouting Penny and a playoff loss to him, MJ clearly viewed Penny as "next." This is mentor/mentee behavior:
Orlando's win total rose every year with Shaq and Penny.
1992: 21 wins
1993: 41 wins* (Shaq's first year)
1994: 50 wins* (Penny's first year)
1995: 57 wins* (Finals)
1996: 60 wins* (last season together)
* franchise record
1992: 21 wins
1993: 41 wins* (Shaq's first year)
1994: 50 wins* (Penny's first year)
1995: 57 wins* (Finals)
1996: 60 wins* (last season together)
* franchise record
I just cannot stress enough how beautiful Shaq and Penny were to watch. How well they worked together. How easy they made the game look.
How bright their future seemed to be.
How bright their future seemed to be.
And that's the beauty and pain of sports: A young team on the rise doesn't always reach the top. The dynasty Bulls completely disrupted and derailed two clubs that were the "team of the future":
* The early 90s Cavs
* The mid 90s Magic
Just how it goes.
* The early 90s Cavs
* The mid 90s Magic
Just how it goes.
And while we're here, no Penny appreciation thread is complete without Lil' Penny.
#ThatWasTyraBanksFool
#ThatWasTyraBanksFool
My grandmother used to say she couldn't relax during Bulls games until we were leading or trailing by 20.
Game 2, 1996 ECF: Bulls trailed by 18.
Nana stayed locked in 💪
#BullsRewind
Game 2, 1996 ECF: Bulls trailed by 18.
Nana stayed locked in 💪
#BullsRewind
Michael and Scottie just annihilated Dennis Scott to force a turnover. They were as great a duo in 1996 as perhaps there has ever been in league history.
Seriously:
Seriously:
