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NBA: Who is the best duo from each franchise’s history

By Christopher Jeter

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). /

Best duo from Chicago Bulls history: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

It seems silly now, but when Michael Jordan entered the league in 1984, a number of pundits questioned how good he would be and if he could lead a team to a championship.

Even the Chicago Bulls thought they were getting fool’s gold with Jordan, they tried everything they could to trade out of the third pick to avoid Jordan, though that probably spoke more to their incompetence than diligent research, as this Chicago Tribune column from 1984 attests.

Sadly, the Bulls were stuck with a man who became the best player in the game within three seasons. But it still wasn’t enough to turn the historically woeful Bulls into a championship contender (frankly, Jordan should be lucky that shows like First Take weren’t around then).

Despite averaging 31.7 points with .226 WS/48 in his first three seasons, the Bulls bowed out of the first round each time, seemingly affirming those early concerns. That all changed when the Bulls selected Scottie Pippen with the fifth overall pick in the 1987 draft.

It took a few wars with the Detroit Pistons, but the Jordan and Pippen Bulls eventually reached the pinnacle of the sport in 1991 when they beat what was left of the “Showtime” Lakers to with their first championship.

What followed was a run of dominance not seen since the 60s Celtics. With Jordan and Pippen terrorizing opposing wings on offense and defense to the tune of a combined .222 WS/48, Chicago ranked no worse than seventh in defensive rating and combined with some outstanding offensive seasons — particularly in 90-91, 91-92, 95-96, and 96-97 — the Bulls won six NBA titles, securing their place as one of the greatest dynasties in sports.