4/16/26

Jay C. Brandriet

When LeBron James has left organizations, people like to assess the damage that’s been left behind.

How have the Chicago Bulls dealt with life after Michael Jordan?

It wouldn’t have been a relevant question after the first half decade.

The majority of the championship cast which included Scottie and Phil had left as well.

Nearly 30 years later, it’s worth measuring.

THE WINNING STANDARD

Six titles and two three-peats should need no introduction.

No Jordan LED team had more than a 2-game losing streak over an 8-year span.

His Bulls squads best yearly win totals were 72, 69, and 67.

It’s been 28 years since Michael played his last game as a Bull.

How big of dent was left in the franchise?

MJ went 25-1 in his last 26 playoff series.

THE AFTERMATH POST MJ

In 28 years, the Bulls have finished over .500 in just 9 seasons.

They have missed the playoffs 16 different times.

When they made it, the results were as follows:

Lost in the first round 8 times.

Lost in the second round 3 times.

Lost in the Eastern Conference Finals once.

THE TALENT HAS BEEN THERE

Derrick Rose was the MVP.

Jimmy Butler was All-NBA.

DeMarr Derozan is a mid-range master who was an All-Star.

Joakim Noah took home a Defensive Player of the Year trophy.

Elton Brand was Rookie of the Year.

Zach Lavine was a special dunker who made 83.4% of his free throws.

Jalen Rose played 82 games and was well rounded.

Tyson Chandler was blocking shots.

Kirk Hinrich was All-Defense.

Jamal Crawford had 24 in the 4th quarter, the night he dropped 50.

Ron Artest was consuming on defense and was turning teams over.

Nikola Vucevic brought it every night.

Luol Deng was the league leader in minutes in consecutive seasons.

Carlos Boozer was an efficient scorer.

Ben Gordon was clutch.

Michael Jordan was all of those things and more.

With MJ the Bulls were arguably the greatest team and dynasty ever.

Without him?

Well.

They’ve been better than the Washington Wizards.

Jay C. Brandriet