For more than a decade, Michael Jordan held the starting shooting guard position for the Bulls. However, other star players have since taken over the role.
The first name that pops out when discussing Chicago Bulls’ shooting guards is Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. Jordan achieved greatness with Chicago, delivering six NBA titles with the franchise. However, before and after Jordan came a host of shooting guards who did their best to hold down the spot. Currently, Zach LaVine occupies that position, but it is interesting to see the Bulls starting shooting guards from 1980 to 2024.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 18.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: 2x All-Star, 1978-79 All-Rookie Team Selection
In the early ’80s, Reggie Theus was a standout player for the Bulls. He was a dynamic scorer and playmaker, averaging 20.3 points per game during his time with the team. Theus was known for his smooth ball handling and ability to create his own shot, making him a fan favorite and a key offensive weapon for the Bulls. These early years set the stage for the Bulls to become one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, particularly in the ’90s with the emergence of Michael Jordan.
While Theus may not have achieved the same level of success as Jordan would, he played an important role in shaping the identity of the team during a transitional period because he made two All-Star Teams during this period and was a key star for the franchise.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 16.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: 1982-83 All-Rookie Team Selection
In 1984, Quintin Dailey took over the starting shooting guard role. Dailey was a prolific scorer and was often the go-to option on offense. He had a knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls, making him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. However, Dailey’s career with the Bulls was marred by off-court issues, which ultimately led to his departure from the team but he held down the starting spot for 42 starts in 82 games played.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 31.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: 6x NBA Champion, 6x Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1987-1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 10x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 3x All-Star Game MVP, 1984-1985 Rookie of the Year, 1984-85 All-Rookie Team Selection
In 1985, the Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with the No. 3 overall pick, and he immediately took over as the team’s starting shooting guard. Jordan’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, as he quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. He averaged an impressive 28.2 points per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Despite being a rookie, Jordan’s talent and athleticism were evident from the start. He showcased his scoring prowess with a remarkable ability to drive to the basket, finish at the rim, and knock down mid-range jump shots. While Jordan’s individual brilliance was evident, the Bulls as a team struggled to find consistent success during his rookie season, finishing with a record of 38-44 but somehow still made the playoffs but lost in the first round. Despite the team’s overall performance, Jordan’s impact was undeniable, and he provided Bulls fans with plenty of excitement and hope for the future.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 16.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: N/A
In 1986, the Chicago Bulls acquired the legendary George “The Iceman” Gervin to take over the starting shooting guard position with Jordan out with a broken foot. Gervin was already a seasoned veteran in the NBA, known for his smooth scoring ability and trademark finger roll. Although he was in the later stages of his career when he joined the Bulls, Gervin still had plenty to offer on the offensive end.
Gervin provided the Bulls with a steady scoring presence, averaging 16.2 points per game. His experience and basketball IQ were invaluable to a young Bulls team that was still finding its identity. Gervin’s leadership and mentorship of younger players, including Michael Jordan, helped accelerate their development and understanding of the game but this was just a stop-gap until Jordan returned from injury because the 1986 season would be his last season in the NBA.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 31.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: 6x NBA Champion, 6x Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1987-1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 10x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 3x All-Star Game MVP, 1984-1985 Rookie of the Year, 1984-85 All-Rookie Team Selection
From 1987 to 1993, Michael Jordan solidified his status as the face of the Chicago Bulls and one of the greatest players in NBA history. Following his sensational rookie season, Jordan continued to elevate his game to new heights, establishing himself as a dominant force on both ends of the court once he returned from injury. His scoring prowess was unmatched, and he became known for his incredible athleticism, unmatched work ethic, and competitive spirit.
During this period, Jordan won three NBA championships with the Bulls (1991, 1992, and 1993) and earned three NBA Finals MVP awards. He also won three regular-season MVP awards, in 1988, 1991, and 1992, and won seven scoring titles. His list of accolades and achievements during these years is staggering, and he set numerous records that still stand today.
Jordan’s ability to take over games and make clutch plays in crucial moments made him a legend. He had a knack for performing at his best when it mattered most, earning him the reputation as one of the most clutch players in NBA history. His iconic “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals, where he scored 38 points while battling flu-like symptoms, is just one example of his ability to rise to the occasion.
The 1992-1993 season marked the end of Jordan’s first tenure with the Bulls, as he announced his retirement from basketball to pursue a career in professional baseball. His departure left a void in the Bulls lineup and left fans wondering if the team could maintain its success without him. Jordan’s time with the Bulls from 1987 to 1993 is widely considered one of the greatest individual runs in sports history, and he remains an iconic figure in both Chicago and basketball lore.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 5.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: N/A
In 1994, following Michael Jordan’s surprising retirement from basketball to pursue a career in professional baseball, Pete Myers stepped into the starting shooting guard role for the Chicago Bulls. Myers was a journeyman player who had bounced around the NBA before finding a home in Chicago. While he didn’t possess the star power or scoring ability of Jordan, Myers was a solid defender and a capable role player.
During the 1993-1994 season, Myers provided the Bulls with a steady presence on the defensive end and contributed to the team’s overall effort with his hustle and energy. He averaged 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, playing a complementary role alongside Scottie Pippen and the rest of the Bulls’ supporting cast. Despite the team’s collective efforts, the Bulls struggled to replicate the success they had enjoyed with Jordan, finishing the season with a record of 55-27 and losing in the second round of the playoffs.
Career Stats With The Bulls: 7.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Career Achievements With The Bulls: 3x NBA Champion
In 1995, the Chicago Bulls made a significant addition to their lineup by bringing in Ron Harper to take over the starting shooting guard position. Harper, a versatile and athletic guard, was coming off a successful stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was known for his defensive prowess and ability to score both inside and outside. His arrival brought a new dimension to the Bulls’ lineup and helped solidify their status as championship contenders.
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