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Chicago Bulls: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By James D. Tillman III

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Former North Carolina Tar Heels great Michael Jordan during a half time announcement that Jordan’s Jumpman Brand is teaming up with Carolina Football. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Former North Carolina Tar Heels great Michael Jordan during a half time announcement that Jordan’s Jumpman Brand is teaming up with Carolina Football. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michael Jordan (SG) — No. 3 pick in 1984 NBA Draft

This selection should come as no surprise to even the most casual Bulls fan. The big story here is Jordan wasn’t the player the Bulls wanted in that draft.

But after the Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trail Blazers took Sam Bowie, the Bulls reluctantly took Jordan at No. 3. Even still, former general manager Rod Thorn was not sold on the idea that Jordan could help turn the franchise around.

From the Chicago Tribune:

"“We’ve taken a step in the right direction. Jordan isn’t going to turn this franchise around. I wouldn’t ask him to. I wouldn’t put that kind of pressure on him. He’s a very good offensive player, but not an overpowering offensive player.”"

Little did Thorn know the dominant force that Jordan would become.

Jordan acquired a number of accolades during his 13-year career with the Bulls, including:

  • Six-time NBA champion
  • Six-time NBA Finals MVP
  • 10-time All-NBA First Team selection
  • Nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections
  • Defensive Player of the Year award (1988)
  • Chicago Bulls’ all-time leading scorer
  • Retired with the NBA’s highest scoring average of 30.1 points per game
  • 10 scoring titles — an NBA record, and seven consecutive scoring titles (1987-93) to match Wilt Chamberlain.
  • Induced into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

More hoops habit: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

Taking those accomplishments into consideration, not only is Jordan the top draft pick off all time for the Bulls franchise, he is also the greatest draft selection in NBA history.

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