How popular was Michael Jordan? As Will Perdue recounts, the greatest player in NBA history was asked for autographs everywhere. We mean everywhere.
The Bulls went from 22 wins in 2019-20 to 31 wins in 2020-21. While a 31-41 record wasn’t good enough for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, the team is now poised to show an even greater improvement in 2021-22.
With the additions of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, along with a full season of Nikola Vucevic partnered with Zach LaVine, Chicago is in position to make some noise in the East. If franchise history is any indication, a dramatic single-season turnaround is possible, too.
Here’s a look at how the Bulls have improved on prior disappointments, as well as the biggest year-to-year comebacks in franchise history.
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What was the worst season in Bulls history?
The team’s smallest win total came right after its most recent championship. The 1998-99 Bulls won just 13 games in a lockout-shortened campaign without Michael Jordan.
The team’s win percentage dipped in each of the following two seasons, culminating with a 15-67 record in 2000-01. Chicago selected Eddy Curry with the No. 4 pick in the ensuing draft and picked up 21 wins in 2001-02.
What was the Bulls’ best one-year turnaround in history?
NBA
It turns out Jordan makes a big difference.
The Bulls went 47-35 in 1994-95 as Jordan returned from his baseball stint at the tail end of the regular season. Jordan and Co. proceeded to win a then-record-breaking 72 games the next season, cementing a 25-win improvement en route to the 1996 NBA title.
The Bulls have made 20-win jumps three other times in franchise history. DeRozan, Ball and Co. are hoping to make it a grand total of five in the 2021-22 season.
