Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: 30 greatest players in franchise history

By Jason Patt

PHOENIX - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner David Stern presents Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls the championship trophy after the Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game Six of the 1993 NBA Finals on June 20, 1993 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner David Stern presents Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls the championship trophy after the Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game Six of the 1993 NBA Finals on June 20, 1993 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Horace Grant, Chicago Bulls
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

player. 24. . Power Forward. Chicago Bulls. Horace Grant. 9

The Bulls had a quality power forward in Charles Oakley when they selected Horace Grant with the 10th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. Grant played a key bench role behind Oakley in his first season, and then the Bulls shipped Oakley off to the New York Knicks for Bill Cartwright, who became the starting center.

As a starter, Grant blossomed into one of the league’s most important role players. Grant was a steady No. 3 scoring option behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, while providing strong rebounding, defense and a dash of passing. The power forward never put up huge numbers, but he was instrumental in winning those first three championships.

Grant was involved in two of the most memorable plays of the 1993 playoffs. Grant had the title-winning assist in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and he was the first to record a block during the block party of Charles Smith in a pivotal game against the New York Knicks:

Grant stayed with the Bulls for one more season after Jordan’s first retirement, and that year represented the power forward’s only All-Star appearance. Grant put up career highs in points, rebounds and assists that season, and he also made the All-Defensive second team for a second straight year. He signed with the Orlando Magic that offseason and wound up retiring in 2004, but he’s now back with the Bulls as a special advisor.

Grant is second in franchise history in offensive rebounds, third in field goal percentage, fifth in Win Shares and fifth in Value Over Replacement Player, per Basketball-Reference.com.

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