Chicago Bulls: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Stormin’ Norman Van Lier started his career with the Bulls when they chose him 34th overall in the 1969 NBA Draft, but the guard was immediately traded to the Cincinnati Royals. The Bulls got Van Lier back early in the 1971-72 season, though, and he proceeded to become an integral part of the franchise.

Van Lier never put up huge numbers, but he was a steady scoring option, stellar playmaker and ferocious defender. Defense was his true calling card, and he was a fixture on All-Defensive teams. He made the first team three times with the Bulls and is fifth in team history in steals.

Van Lier made the All-Star Game three times as a Bull, with the first appearance coming in 1974 when he averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 35.8 minutes per game. He was also a member of the All-NBA second team and helped lead the Bulls to the Western Conference Finals. They returned the next season, with Van Lier again playing a key role.

Van Lier’s effectiveness dipped in 1977-78, and the Bulls decided to waive the popular guard after the year. He played 38 games for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1978-79 before retiring.

In addition to Van Lier’s big steal numbers, his 6.9 assists per game as a Bull is second in team history. Ennis Whatley is first at 7.0 assists per game, but he only played with the team for two seasons. Van Lier is fourth in total assists.

Van Lier returned to the Bulls as a radio broadcaster in the early 1980s, and later he became a fixture as a Bulls television analyst for pregame and postgame shows until he passed away in 2009.