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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: https://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: https://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.
https://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.
https://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.
https://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.
https://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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/700497938682753025
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/700497938682753025
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:
https://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:
https://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: https://readjack.substack.com/
Interview snippets? Check.
Anecdotes I never knew? Check.
All things obscure? Check.
If this GIF gets you hyped, SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://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.
https://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.
https://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: https://readjack.substack.com/
The book’s production timelinePre-order informationNew Bulls merch I’ll be designingThe first word on dynasty-related events I’ll be hostingDish it off for a subscription here: https://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:
https://readjack.substack.com/
PARENTS: Do you want to educate your children on the Bulls dynasty they missed? Give the gift of a subscription:
https://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!
[email protected].
Hell, do you have a Keith Booth story? A Chip Schaefer story? A John Ligmanowski story?
Email me your dynasty Bulls stories and photos!
[email protected].
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: https://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: https://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!
https://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!
https://readjack.substack.com/
Subscribers to "A Shot on Ehlo" woke up this morning with this in their inbox, celebrating #MichaelJordan's birthday. https://readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthday-michael-jordan
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! https://twitter.com/mattdiller83/status/1229855172245016578
"The Ballad of Don Calhoun"
LOVE IT
Get on board with the newsletter: http://readjack.substack.com https://audioboom.com/posts/1314047-the-ballad-of-don-calhoun
LOVE IT
Get on board with the newsletter: http://readjack.substack.com https://audioboom.com/posts/1314047-the-ballad-of-don-calhoun
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...
https://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...
https://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. https://twitter.com/HistoryJumpman/status/1230337454592286721
It's a perfect depiction of MJ's competitiveness and ability to drive himself with small slights.
But it has a sad backstory too. https://twitter.com/HistoryJumpman/status/1230337454592286721
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 seasons3 rings3 rebounding titles15.3 rebounds per game1996 All-Defensive 1st TeamNBA 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 games18 technical fouls74 fouls3 ejectionsFor 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: https://twitter.com/inallairness/status/1231603847417589762
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: https://readjack.substack.com/ https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1231789410783502337
A logistical hunt to a quarter-century-old conspiracy.
Don't miss out. Subscribe now: https://readjack.substack.com/ https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1231789410783502337
Our first subscriber post hit inboxes this morning at 5 a.m.
It’s a doozy.
https://readjack.substack.com
It’s a doozy.
https://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.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
Free here:
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
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?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
If you could go back in time and add Kobe in 2004, but it means we don't get Derrick, would you do it?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
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?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
* Lakers get Pippen
* Bulls get Kobe and, to make the salaries work, Campbell, Horry, Van Exel
Who wins the deal?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
Here is Sam’s Pippen-Kobe trade proposal, June 16, 1998. Love it.
#OnlyTheBulls
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1233530574079483905?s=21
#OnlyTheBulls
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1233530574079483905?s=21
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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
Door #1: Kobe in 2004, no Derrick in 2008
Door #2: No Kobe ever, Derrick in 2008, NO 2012 INJURY
https://readjack.substack.com/p/kobe-and-the-dynasty-what-might-have
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/
https://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!
https://readjack.substack.com/
Enjoy!
https://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.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/shooting-stars-photographer-talks
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/shooting-stars-photographer-talks
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 [email protected]
https://readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-jordan-story
A reader shares her Michael Jordan story — as does Magic Johnson.
Read now, and send me yours! Email me at [email protected]
https://readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-jordan-story
Thank you to Scoop B for the scoop!
#TheShrug #MichaelJordan
https://readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-jordan-story
https://twitter.com/ScoopB/status/1228422479766544385
#TheShrug #MichaelJordan
https://readjack.substack.com/p/my-michael-jordan-story
https://twitter.com/ScoopB/status/1228422479766544385
What was your favorite #MichaelJordan moment in the Finals in the first three-peat?
https://readjack.substack.com/
https://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!
https://readjack.substack.com/archive
https://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.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
I found a quote from Scottie Pippen from January 1995 that modern Bulls fans will find distressingly relevant.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
Who was the best non-center in the NBA during Michael Jordan's baseball retirement?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
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?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
“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?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
‘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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
If the Bulls had Hakeem instead of Scottie in 1996, do we still win 72 games?
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
https://readjack.substack.com/p/how-scottie-pippen-once-tried-to
March 10, 1995:
Michael Jordan officially retires from baseball, hoops return seems imminent
Zach LaVine born
Big day for Bulls basketball!
https://readjack.substack.com
Michael Jordan officially retires from baseball, hoops return seems imminentZach LaVine bornBig day for Bulls basketball!
https://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 https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-jordan-index-how-mjs-1995-comeback
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 https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-jordan-index-how-mjs-1995-comeback
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! https://readjack.substack.com/p/quarantineandbull-nba-finals-edition
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 FinalsNo clinchersFull broadcast + highlights.
Have a great day and stay healthy! https://readjack.substack.com/p/quarantineandbull-nba-finals-edition
The next newsletter at http://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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1111116150883188736?s=21
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1111116150883188736?s=21
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/
https://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! https://readjack.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-bloodbaths-in-practice
Check out the list here! https://readjack.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-bloodbaths-in-practice
This makes me happy :)
A whole new generation of Bulls fans! https://twitter.com/mjnscottie/status/1244328344285478912?s=21
A whole new generation of Bulls fans! https://twitter.com/mjnscottie/status/1244328344285478912?s=21
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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/865799579979087872?s=21
A thread: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/865799579979087872?s=21
“I’m talking to everybody. No question. We can catch the Bulls.”
— Patrick Ewing, summer of 1996
cc @Herring_NBA @stillgottaChi https://twitter.com/readjack/status/865802019784863744
— Patrick Ewing, summer of 1996
cc @Herring_NBA @stillgottaChi https://twitter.com/readjack/status/865802019784863744
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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/865803824946176001?s=21
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: https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
(That's Steigenga in the light shirt.)
Subscribe for just $5/month or $33/year to read: https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
Aaaaaaaaaaaand NOW... https://nypost.com/2020/03/30/espn-moving-up-michael-jordan-documentary-release-date-with-sports-fans-desperate/
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
https://readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthday-michael-jordan https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1087556989713027075
#TheLastDance #BullsRewind
https://readjack.substack.com/p/happy-birthday-michael-jordan https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1087556989713027075
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1138275757719990272
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1138275757719990272
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1138287656322895873
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) https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1138288236160311296
* Harper (6’6)
* Myers (6’6)
* Pippen (6’7)
* Buechler (6’6)
* Longley (7’1) https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1138288236160311296
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. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/15/dub-bulls-how-the-1996-bulls-led-the-small-ball-revolution-by-going-big/
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. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/15/dub-bulls-how-the-1996-bulls-led-the-small-ball-revolution-by-going-big/
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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1033207089013899264
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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1033207089013899264
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/
The best pieces of strategy are multi-faceted and open multiple options.
Enter Dennis Rodman.
https://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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/844263365581127680
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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/844263365581127680
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.
https://readjack.substack.com/
The mutable lineups.
The big guards.
The power forward.
The mutability.
Scoring, defense, shooting, mutability, deep intelligence.
GOAT.
https://readjack.substack.com/
What’s coming in #TheLastDance? Comprehensive history, hopefully.
New “A Shot on Ehlo”: https://readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-want-to-see-in-the-last https://twitter.com/stillgottachi/status/1246081954623225857?s=21
New “A Shot on Ehlo”: https://readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-want-to-see-in-the-last https://twitter.com/stillgottachi/status/1246081954623225857?s=21
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.
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1245506337846497283
Penny Hardaway was about to be an all-time GREAT.
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1245506337846497283
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. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1240848577569722369
MJ even scouted him while he played baseball. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1240848577569722369
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:
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/there-could-never-be-an-8-peat-no-jordan-suspension-why-michael-jordan-needed-baseball/
From my 1996 Bulls book:
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/there-could-never-be-an-8-peat-no-jordan-suspension-why-michael-jordan-needed-baseball/
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1108596555681095680
After a year scouting Penny and a playoff loss to him, MJ clearly viewed Penny as "next." This is mentor/mentee behavior: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1108596555681095680
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 https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1240783992619704322
Game 2, 1996 ECF: Bulls trailed by 18.
Nana stayed locked in
#BullsRewind https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1240783992619704322
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: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1108946920645419010
Seriously: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1108946920645419010
MJ and Scottie practice stories, from Matt Steigenga. Love this interview :)
https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
#BullsRewind
https://readjack.substack.com/p/the-amazing-tale-of-matt-steigenga
#BullsRewind
16 things three Bulls fans want to see in #TheLastDance.
10 from @highkin & @wontgottlieb: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2884406-10-things-we-want-to-see-in-the-last-dance-michael-jordan-documentary
6 from me: https://readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-want-to-see-in-the-last
10 from @highkin & @wontgottlieb: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2884406-10-things-we-want-to-see-in-the-last-dance-michael-jordan-documentary
6 from me: https://readjack.substack.com/p/6-things-i-want-to-see-in-the-last
Watching this Orlando Magic introduction on #BullsRewind, and it's a reminder of the Bulls' influence. @LilTommyEdwards and the Bulls created the modern NBA player introduction.
If you haven't yet, read @jakemalooley's oral history on how that evolved: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/11/13/18082986/oral-history-chicago-bulls-introduction-michael-jordan
If you haven't yet, read @jakemalooley's oral history on how that evolved: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/11/13/18082986/oral-history-chicago-bulls-introduction-michael-jordan
I am collecting photos of Bulls fans in their Bulls gear. Send me your pictures to [email protected], or tweet them to me.
Follow the thread below!
#BullsRewind https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1246970831168843777
Follow the thread below!
#BullsRewind https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1246970831168843777
New "A Shot on Ehlo" — interview with the great @Crayestout, on how she broke two of the biggest sports stories of the 90s: Michael Jordan practicing with the White Sox in '93, and with the Bulls in '95.
https://readjack.substack.com/p/a-conversation-with-cheryl-raye-stout
https://readjack.substack.com/p/a-conversation-with-cheryl-raye-stout
Talking Sportswriters on TV right now — here is a clip from May 24, 1993, after Game 1 of the Knicks-Bulls ECF, as the Bentley, Gleason, Jauss, and Telander talk about Pat Riley's trademark of "three-peat." This is gold.
https://readjack.substack.com/archive
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1247321493262028806
https://readjack.substack.com/archive
https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1247321493262028806
Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals:
Armstrong
Jordan
Pippen
Grant
Cartwright
Game 1 of the 1996 NBA Finals:
Harper
Jordan
Pippen
Rodman
Longley
Want to know how Jerry Krause and Phil Jackson turned one three-peat into another?
Read this:
#BullsRewind https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/the-other-10-how-phil-jackson-and-jerry-krause-rebuilt-the-totem-pole-and-created-a-new-champion/
Armstrong
Jordan
Pippen
Grant
Cartwright
Game 1 of the 1996 NBA Finals:
Harper
Jordan
Pippen
Rodman
Longley
Want to know how Jerry Krause and Phil Jackson turned one three-peat into another?
Read this:
#BullsRewind https://readjack.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/the-other-10-how-phil-jackson-and-jerry-krause-rebuilt-the-totem-pole-and-created-a-new-champion/
Four matchups to watch on #BullsRewind and the ‘96 Finals:
Dennis Rodman vs. Shawn Kemp
Gary Payton vs. Michael Jordan
Dennis Rodman vs. Frank Brickowski (this is fun)
Toni Kukoc vs. Sam Perkins (bench scoring)
Ron Harper is also super fun this series.
Dennis Rodman vs. Shawn KempGary Payton vs. Michael JordanDennis Rodman vs. Frank Brickowski (this is fun)Toni Kukoc vs. Sam Perkins (bench scoring)Ron Harper is also super fun this series.
#BullsRewind fun fact:
The 1996 NBA Finals featured four of the five members of that season’s All-Defensive First Team:
Gary Payton
Michael Jordan
Scottie Pippen
Dennis Rodman
http://readjack.substack.com/archive
The 1996 NBA Finals featured four of the five members of that season’s All-Defensive First Team:
Gary Payton
Michael Jordan
Scottie Pippen
Dennis Rodman
http://readjack.substack.com/archive
Dennis Rodman turning Frank Brickowski into "the crazy one" was an unexpected delight in the '96 Finals. https://twitter.com/anthonycdemaria/status/1248054165420507141
Legitimate question: Do younger basketball fans today understand how dominant Gary Payton was? I've seen folks sharing these "You can only keep one" PG memes between Glove, Stockton, Kidd and Nash, and I feel like I'm in the minority always picking Glove. He was a master.
Each of our first three Finals had a "Michael vs. ______" narrative:
'91 Magic
'92 Drexler
'93 Barkley
But those were about star power. MJ-Clyde was the closest we got to a matchup discussion.
1996 of Michael vs. Gary was the first MJ head-to-head Finals storyline.
'91 Magic
'92 Drexler
'93 Barkley
But those were about star power. MJ-Clyde was the closest we got to a matchup discussion.
1996 of Michael vs. Gary was the first MJ head-to-head Finals storyline.
Gary Payton entered the Finals battling back and calf pain, and George Karl mostly kept him off Jordan for the first three games. The Bulls went up 3-0. Facing elimination, Payton pushed Karl to change the game plan. In Game 4, Payton helped hold Jordan to 23 points, on 6-19 FG.
The 23 points Jordan scored in Game 4 of the '96 Finals was to that point his career low in the Finals. He entered Game 4 averaging 35.5 points per game in his Finals career.
Against Payton:
Game 4: 6-19, 23 points
Game 5: 11-22, 26 points
Game 6: 5-19, 22 points
Against Payton:
Game 4: 6-19, 23 points
Game 5: 11-22, 26 points
Game 6: 5-19, 22 points
MJ deservedly won his fourth Finals MVP in 1996. But it was a slog.
MJ Finals PPG / FG%
1991: 31.2 / 56%
1992: 35.8 / 53%
1993: 41.0 / 51%
1996: 27.3 / 42%
1997: 32.3 / 46%
1998: 33.5 / 43%
Of his 35 career Finals games, he scored under 30 in 12.
Five of those were in 1996.
MJ Finals PPG / FG%
1991: 31.2 / 56%
1992: 35.8 / 53%
1993: 41.0 / 51%
1996: 27.3 / 42%
1997: 32.3 / 46%
1998: 33.5 / 43%
Of his 35 career Finals games, he scored under 30 in 12.
Five of those were in 1996.
For his part, MJ maintained that he was merely struggling, independent of Payton. But Jordan and the Bulls had another rough game all around in Game 5, and the series went back to Chicago.
We know how this ends. The Bulls won Game 6 to wrap the greatest season ever. Jordan's 27.3 PPG was his lowest ever for the Finals, but we know he's on his own scale :)
Alcindor '71 — 27.0
Hakeem '94 — 26.9
Dirk '11 — 26.0
Moses '83 — 25.8
LeBron '13 —25.3
Bird '86 — 24.0
Alcindor '71 — 27.0
Hakeem '94 — 26.9
Dirk '11 — 26.0
Moses '83 — 25.8
LeBron '13 —25.3
Bird '86 — 24.0
So salute to Gary Payton! Probably my favorite point guard ever. Starter on my all-90s team. A member of the sports trash talk Hall of Fame — and the actual Hall of Fame.
And star of the oddest, most unsettling, most somehow badass NBA commercial ever.
https://readjack.substack.com/archive
And star of the oddest, most unsettling, most somehow badass NBA commercial ever.
https://readjack.substack.com/archive
