An argument can be made that this Bulls squad is simply the greatest team to ever play after setting a then-record 72 regular-season wins. That historic 72-10 record stood as the league’s gold standard for two decades. Their defense? Opponents barely cracked 93 points per game against them.
Phil Jackson’s triangle offense transformed diverse personalities into a seamless basketball machine. This marked the Bulls’ fourth title in six years, cementing their dynasty by defeating Seattle 4-2 in the Finals. Michael Jordan fully reclaimed his throne, Scottie Pippen hit his absolute prime, and Dennis Rodman brought the chaotic genius that completed the puzzle.
Let’s break down the Chicago Bulls roster that made history and gave Chicago a season nobody will forget.
Michael Jordan: His Airness Returns to Dominance
When Jordan returned from his baseball stint in March 1995, he was still shaking off rust. The 1995-96 season? Completely different story. This was Jordan reminding everyone why he owned the sport.
His numbers told the familiar story: 30.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.2 steals. Jordan knocked down 111 three-pointers while playing suffocating defense. The NBA rewarded him with both Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP awards.
A 53-Point Masterclass Against the Pistons
March 7, 1996 against Detroit showcased Jordan at his absolute peak. He dropped 53 points on 21-of-28 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and 6 steals while single-handedly outscoring the Pistons 15-13 in the fourth quarter. Fans watched Jordan dismantle a bitter rival in a blowout that reminded everyone what Bulls dominance looked like.
Leadership That Elevated Everyone
What separated Jordan wasn’t just scoring, though. His leadership evolved completely. He demanded excellence while demonstrating it through relentless work ethic. Jordan’s defensive intensity set the tone for a team that suffocated opponents.
Jordan even recognized how his teammate elevated the entire squad. Speaking about Scottie Pippen that season, Jordan said: “It’s Scottie Pippen’s team. He’s made unbelievable strides… He’s got to be one of the best players in the game, if not the best. He’s learned how to challenge himself every night. When one phase of his game is not clicking, he’s contributed in other areas. That’s a sign of greatness.”
Having a player who could take over games but chose to operate within Jackson’s system made everyone better. Opponents had no answer. This season represented Jordan at his absolute peak.
Scottie Pippen: The Ultimate Wingman
Scottie Pippen’s greatness often gets overshadowed by Jordan’s brilliance, but the Chicago Bulls don’t reach 72 wins without him. Pippen was the swiss army knife that made everything work, capable of guarding the opponent’s best player while running the offense and contributing across every category.
His numbers reflected all-around excellence: 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Pippen led the team with 150 three-pointers made, showcasing perimeter shooting that stretched defenses and created driving lanes.
The Night Two Stars Both Topped 40
February 18 against Indiana illustrated the dynamic duo at their finest. Jordan dropped 45 points while Pippen added 40, only the ninth duo in NBA history to both exceed 40 in the same game. Dennis Rodman grabbed 23 rebounds to complete the domination and avenge an earlier loss that had snapped their 13-game winning streak.
The Defensive Anchor Who Freed Jordan
Pippen’s defensive impact truly separated him from the pack. At 6’8″ with incredible wingspan and lateral quickness, he defended point guards through power forwards with equal effectiveness. Jackson assigned Pippen to the opposition’s primary scorer, freeing Jordan to conserve energy for offensive bursts.
A Telepathic Partnership in the Triangle
The triangle offense thrived with Pippen’s basketball IQ and passing vision. He read defenses before they revealed their intentions and made the extra pass that turned good shots into great ones. Chemistry between Jordan and Pippen reached telepathic levels. They anticipated each other’s movements and trusted each other completely. This partnership formed the foundation that turned the Bulls into an unstoppable force.
Dennis Rodman: The Rebounding Revolutionary
Dennis Rodman’s addition proved to be the missing piece that elevated the Bulls from great to historically dominant. Acquired from San Antonio to replace Horace Grant, Rodman brought intensity and rebounding prowess that transformed the Bulls’ identity.
His 14.9 rebounds per game dominated the league and changed how opponents attacked the paint. Rodman possessed an almost supernatural ability to anticipate where missed shots would carom, positioning himself perfectly while outworking bigger centers through determination and technique.
The Night Rodman Surprised Everyone
January 16 against Philadelphia showcased his versatility when Rodman notched his first career triple-double (10 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists), with Jordan assisting the final one and later calling Rodman the fans’ favorite.
A Role Player Who Understood His Role
The scoring output (5.5 points per game) mattered little because that wasn’t his job. Rodman understood his role: control the boards, defend multiple positions, set screens, and bring relentless energy every night. His willingness to handle the dirty work freed Jordan and Pippen to focus on scoring and playmaking.
Despite standing 6’7″, he could body up centers in the post or switch onto guards without creating mismatches. His understanding of angles and positioning compensated for any size disadvantage. Opponents found themselves frustrated by his constant pressure, wearing down physically and mentally over 48 minutes.
The Bulls found their perfect balance when Rodman joined. He provided the physicality and rebounding that completed their championship formula, turning them from contenders into what historians would remember as the greatest team in NBA history.
Ron Harper: The Veteran Floor General
Ron Harper transformed himself from explosive scorer to the steady, intelligent floor general that championship teams require. His veteran leadership and defensive smarts proved invaluable throughout the season.
Harper started 80 games and delivered exactly what the Bulls needed: smart decision-making, tough perimeter defense, and efficient scoring when opportunities presented themselves. His 7.4 points came on 46.7% shooting, reflecting a player who took smart shots within the offense. He added 1.3 steals per game while providing crucial stability handling the ball.
Stepping Up When It Mattered Most
Playoffs revealed Harper’s true value. Playing 27.4 minutes per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, he elevated his performance when stakes increased. Harper understood game management, knowing when to push tempo and when to slow things down.
A Lockdown Option on the Perimeter
Defensively, Harper gave the Bulls another lockdown option on the perimeter. His size, strength, and fundamentals allowed him to check quick point guards or bigger shooting guards. This versatility proved crucial in the Finals against Seattle, where Harper’s defense helped limit Gary Payton’s effectiveness.
Harper embodied the Bulls’ mentality. Everyone had a role, everyone bought in, and everyone understood that winning mattered more than individual accolades.
Luc Longley: The Aussie Anchor in the Paint
Luc Longley’s contributions often go overlooked, but his presence in the middle proved essential. Standing 7’2″ and starting 62 games, Longley provided the interior presence and basketball intelligence that Jackson’s triangle offense required from the center position.
Longley averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while logging 26.5 minutes per game. His impact extended beyond statistics, though. He set solid screens that freed shooters, finished pick-and-roll opportunities efficiently, and protected the rim when opponents attacked.
Embracing a Role Built Around the Team
Playing center for the Bulls meant accepting that Jordan, Pippen, and often Rodman would dominate possessions. Longley embraced this reality, focusing on fundamentals that helped his team win. He established position in the post, passed out of double teams, and converted high-percentage shots near the basket.
The Defensive Complement to Rodman
His defensive presence complemented Rodman’s rebounding perfectly. While Rodman hunted boards aggressively, Longley anchored the paint and challenged shots at the rim. His size alone forced teams to adjust their offensive approach, and his mobility allowed the Bulls to switch on certain actions without getting exposed.
The Bulls needed a center who understood his role, executed fundamentals flawlessly, and contributed without requiring plays designed specifically for him. Longley delivered exactly that.
The Championship Bench That Sealed the Dynasty
The Bulls achieved historic success not just because of their starting five, but because their bench delivered championship-caliber production when called upon. Two bench players (Toni Kukoč and Steve Kerr) provided the versatility and clutch performance that separates good teams from dynasties.
Toni Kukoč: The Croatian Sensation
Toni Kukoč embodied the perfect sixth man for Phil Jackson’s system. Standing 6’11” with guard skills and basketball IQ ahead of his time, Kukoč averaged 13.1 points per game while shooting 83.8% from the free-throw line. His ability to play multiple positions made him a matchup nightmare for opposing second units.
The NBA recognized Kukoč’s excellence by awarding him Sixth Man of the Year, making him the last player in league history to win that award and an NBA championship in the same season. Kukoč could have started for most NBA teams, but he understood that his impact off the bench gave the Bulls a weapon that sustained offensive production when Jordan or Pippen rested.
His versatility gave Jackson incredible tactical flexibility. Kukoč could post up smaller defenders, hit three-pointers to stretch the floor, or facilitate like a point guard when the offense needed a different look.
Steve Kerr: The Clutch Sharpshooter
Steve Kerr provided the most lethal three-point shooting in the entire NBA during 1995-96. His 122 three-pointers connected at an astounding 51.5%, leading the league in three-point percentage while averaging 8.4 points per game. When Kerr caught the ball beyond the arc, defenders knew they had to close out immediately. Yet even perfect defense often couldn’t prevent him from knocking down shots.
Kerr’s shooting ability fundamentally changed how defenses played the Bulls. Opponents couldn’t leave him open to send extra help at Jordan or Pippen, creating driving lanes and post opportunities. His presence alone stretched defenses, making the triangle offense even more effective.
Together, Kukoč and Kerr gave the Bulls a bench that could maintain or extend leads when the starters rested. This depth proved crucial throughout the championship run.
Celebrate Chicago’s Greatest at Pequod’s Pizza
A Season That Rewrote the Record Books
April 16 against Milwaukee saw the Bulls etch history by becoming the first team to win 70 games. Then Game 6 on June 16 delivered the championship, with the Bulls defeating Seattle 87-75 to complete their 72-win dynasty. Jordan scored 22 points, while Pippen added 17 points and strong defense, and Rodman grabbed 19 rebounds to seal the rout.
A City Erupts in Celebration
Approximately 250,000 fans gathered at Grant Park on June 18-19, 1996, to celebrate Chicago’s champions. The city erupted in a deafening roar when Jordan took the podium.
Honor the Legacy the Chicago Way
That same Chicago pride lives at Pequod’s Pizza, where celebrating the city’s greatest traditions means experiencing award-winning deep dish with that signature caramelized crust. Named the No. 1 pizza in the country by the Yelp Elite Squad 2024, Pequod’s has served Chicago since 1971.
Whether you’re reminiscing about Jordan’s 53-point explosion, Pippen and Jordan’s 40-point duo, or that magical 70th win, there’s no better place to celebrate Chicago basketball greatness than over deep dish at Pequod’s Lincoln Park or Morton Grove locations. The Bulls gave us something special in 1996. Honor that legacy the Chicago way, with the best pizza in America.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash