Chicago Bulls Talk: Do Organizations Win Championships?
By Lamar Battle
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome Pippen Peoples to another edition of Chicago Bulls Talk. It’s a segment that takes us off the main grind of Chicago Bulls news and rumors. This edition takes us back to one if the most infamous phrases in Chicago Bulls history said by Jerry “Crumbs”…I mean Krause.
Did Michael Jordan get enough credit for the Bulls six titles or was it just an organizational thing? Who can forget that monumental Hall of Fame speech given by Michael Jordan in which he singled out everyone who slighted him from his high school coach to former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause who was guilty of mouthing the phrase “organizations win championships”.
MJ had a decent argument but upon closer scrutiny it appears that maybe he had just a little help. Lets consider: Bulls general manager at the time Jerry Krause correctly identified a cerebral unconventional coach languishing in the Continental league as the leader needed to guide the Bulls to a championship.
Given the lack of suitors for Phil Jackson’s services, the Chicago Bulls showed considerable skill in selecting him for the qualities he brought to the table. It would be a stretch to see Michael Jordan winning one title let alone six without the stewardship of Phil Jackson.
The Bulls obtained Scottie Pippen via trade with the Seattle Supersonics. ( By the way, whatever happened to that team)?
Scottie, and later Horace Grant began what would become an impenetrable Chicago Bulls defense featuring long lean and mobile players. Think Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman etc. As a deserving top 50 player, Scottie Pippen regularly defended the oppositions best player, rotated to shut down passing lanes, block shots, rebound, verbally spearheaded the Bulls defense and get back to his man in time.
Pippen directed to a large degree the Chicago Bulls offense which allowed the team to employ shoot first dead eye point guards like Craig Hodges, B J Armstrong, John Paxson and Steve Kerr. Additionally, Scottie’s value in the locker room was vital as he served as the official ( the sun will come out tomorrow now that Michael has completely broken your spirit) guy.
Never has there been a duo who so complemented each others skills and temperaments so effectively that one has to ask the question? Where did the vision come from?
Michael Jordan performed during his first seven years with his sidekick the tough as nails power forward Charles Oakley, but it wasn’t until the trade for New York center Bill Cartwright was made that the ground work for team greatness was laid. The soft spoken big man was just what the Bulls needed, a player short on bravado but long on guts and determination. Oh, and didn’t hurt that Bill Cartwright could effectively defend an ( in his prime) Patrick Ewing.
Michael Jordan was indeed one of the greatest players of all time and probably the hands down most competitive. However, without the organization in place to take advantage of his awesome talents would we just be talking about the next Elgin, David, Dominique or Billy Ray Bates ?
Michael was indeed a force of nature, a killer, a cruise missile, a shark, but it took just the right mix of players and staff to benefit from every inch of his potential. The Chicago Bulls could not have achieved the heights without Michael Jordan but like Red Auerbach, Jerry West and Greg Popovich before him.
The Bulls also could not have done it without Jerry Krause and you guessed it ” The Organization”.
What do you think Pippen Peoples. Do you think organizations win championships? Leave you comment below and let your voices be heard. As always, keep it locked to Pippen Ain’t Easy for all of your Chicago Bulls news, previews and reviews.
Like us on Facebook: Pippen Ain’t Easy and follow us on Twitter: @BullsBeatBlog.
Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports