The Bastardly Brutal Bulls

When someone thinks of “The Greatest” what do they think of? How does someone define greatness in a sport? Is it the ultimate record? Or is it the most talented team? Well, whether it is an unbeatable record, or the most outstanding team, the Chicago Bulls are the answer. As the best of the best, they soared over their opponents with an atrocity of fierce defense and non-stop offense. The “95-”96 Chicago Bulls were single-handedly the greatest basketball team of all-time.

Firstly, the Bulls are the greatest team of all-time for one reason, Michael Jordan. Fresh from a 17 month leave of absence, Michael Jordan established his legend in the “95-”96 season. He averaged a remarkable 30.4 points a game, 4.3 assists, and 6 and a half boards per game, winning the League MVP. In all, Jordan had 5 regular season MVP’s and won 6 championships with the Bulls. He is arguably the best player to ever play the game.

If they were not a great team with Jordan, then the Bull’s were unmistakably a great team with his supporting cast; Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen were a 1-2 punch on defense. As the league’s premiere rebounder, Dennis Rodman became a force to be reckoned with, winning the rebounding title once again, however his 95′-96′ season proved to be his best. The 6′8” Pippen was definitely a player to be remembered as intimidating. The all-star defenseman was also a threat on offense, averaging nearly 20 points per game in the 95′-96′ season. He was as fierce as he was talented and managed to scrap together multiple double-double’s that season. With the always dependable Ron Harper, Toni Kukoc, and Luke Longley, the Bulls became the most talented team ever.

However, many people overlook this team because of the 1988-89′ Detroit Pistons and the 1964-65′ Boston Celtics. However, despite great seasons, they both fell exceptionally shorter in record, and in talent than the Bulls. First, their records of 62-18, and 63-19 did not surpass the best record ever of 72-10, set by the “95-”96 Chicago Bulls. The Celtics’ best player, Bill Russell, is considered to be in the top 50, even top 25 of best players ever. However, Michael Jordan is considered the greatest player of all-time. For the trio’s match-up with the Pistons and Bulls, the Bull’s outweighed them on many accounts. Pippen, Rodman, and Jordan averaged more points, rebounds, assists, and blocks than the trio of Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Lambier.

Next, the Bull’s coach, Phil Jackson, is an immense reason for the success of the Chicago Bulls. Jackson honed the impossible balance between offense and defense. And despite many off season losses and injuries, he led the Chicago Bulls to their 4th championship title, (6 in all.) Jackson managed the highest season winning percentage ever with a .878 winning percentage. His best season came in the 95′-96′ season with the Bulls. Jackson is one of the most highly valued coaches ever, and helped make the Bulls become the greatest team ever.

With everybody reaching their peak at their respected positions, the brutal Bulls were born. With everything in motion, nobody could outplay, outmatch, or even get lucky to defeat the Chicago Bulls. The monstrosity of the “Trio”, Coach Phil, and the undeniably consistent bench, the Chicago Bulls are the greatest team to ever play the game of basketball.