One of professional basketball's dynasty teams, the Chicago Bulls were led by perhaps the best basketball player ever, Michael Jordan, from 1984-1993 and 1995-1998. When they began their first season in 1966, the Bulls were a second-rate team, and continued to be so, even posting a dismal 27-win record in 1984. That finish gave them the opportunity to draft the North Carolina shooting guard, and from then on, with his presence, the Bulls never failed to make the playoffs. Jordan led the Chicago team to six National Basketball Association championships, from 1991 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1998. In the process, the team's bull emblem and distinctive red and black colors became as recognizable on the streets of Peking as they were in the gang neighborhoods of Chicago's South Side. Jordan became a worldwide celebrity, better known than President Bill Clinton. When he retired from basketball on January 13, 1999, his Chicago news conference was broadcast and netcast live worldwide. Fellow players Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen and team coach Phil Jackson never became as well known as the legendary Jordan, but were nonetheless important contributors during the Bulls' championship years.

Chicago Bulls' captain Michael Jordan holding his series MVP trophy and head coach Phil Jackson holding the Bulls' sixth NBA Championship Trophy.

Further Reading:

Bjarkman, Peter C. The Encyclopedia of Pro Basketball Team Histories. New York, Carroll & Graf Publishers, 1994, 98-114.

Broussard, Mark, and Craig Carter, editors. The Sporting News Official NBA Guide, 1996-97 Edition. St. Louis, The Sporting News Publishing Co., 1996.

Sachare, Alex, editor. The Official NBA Basketball Encyclopedia. New York, Villard Books, 1994.