Ranking 10 Worst Bulls starters of the Michael Jordan era
By Tyler Watts
8. Jawann Oldham
Oldham was a second-round pick by the Nuggets in 1980 that was waived by two different teams before signing with the Bulls in 1983. Chicago was hoping the seven-footer could grow into a role player as he reached his prime.
Oldham’s playing time steadily increased over his four years with the Bulls with his best year coming in 1986 when the seven-footer averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game. He made 47 starts in his 52 appearances and helped the Bulls make the playoffs without Michael Jordan for the majority of the season.
Some are likely wondering why Oldham makes this list after he finished sixth in the NBA in blocks per game and tied for 11th in total swats in 1986. His defense was not impactful beyond the blocks and his offensive game was virtually non-existent. In his four years in Chicago, Oldham had a 0.0 value over replacement player (VORP) and a win shares per 48 minutes of 0.045 with 0.1 being the league average.
Jawann Oldham did not make an impact on the overall game, but the Chicago Bulls traded him to the Knicks for two draft picks in 1986. He played four more seasons in the league as his production and playing time dipped. Oldham was a forgettable starter of the MJ era, but not the worst.