Chicago Bulls’ All-Time starting lineup by total win shares

Power Forward: Horace Grant (62.4 WS)

After two shoo-in picks for the starting five, we have another surprise here with the all-too-often underrated legend Horace Grant here. While Pippen was drafted 5th overall in 1987 and often credited with the Bulls making a dramatic leap, Grant was picked 10th and played just as large of a role in helping Chicago get things off the ground in the late ’80s.

Grant was absolutely integral down on the low block for the Bulls on their first championship run, where he helped the team collect its first three championship rings. Following Jordan’s retirement, Grant would depart in free agency to join the Orlando Magic.

Horace Grant deserves more credit for his contributions to the legacy of the first three-peat Bulls.

When Jordan returned midway through the 1994-95 season, the Bulls ran into the same Magic squad in the second round before losing in six games.

This is no coincidence. Even with the GOAT back on the team, the Bulls were simply at a loss on what to do now that their once reliable big man was instead playing for the other squad.

This loss prompted the decision to go out and acquire Dennis Rodman to replace Grant’s presence, and the rest is history. Chicago has always held a special place in Horace’s heart since then, however, as he now serves as a special advisor for the Bulls COO, Michael Reinsdorf.

2nd string: Bob Love (48.2 WS, 9th all-time)
3rd string: Toni Kukoc (41.2 WS, 12th all-time)