Just to be clear, some of you may recognize this script. I originally created a video on this topic, but it was only with my mediocre editing and mostly just photos overlayed. Was really proud of this script, so I asked my editor to update it and make it look better, and I’m really thrilled with it now 🔥 What do you think, would the Bulls have won their 7th championship if they kept the gang together?? Also, the next video will be the REAL DPOYS from 1957-2024, so stay tuned!
Don't forget after the '98 finals is when Jordan sliced his tendon on his index finger. He was going to need a couple months to rehab which he obviously would have gotten with the lockout but who knows if his shot would have been right enough to be the offensive workhorse they were going to need him to be
I think the Bulls would have won in 7 games. Yes, Pippen and Rodman were diminished, but they were like that since the 1998 finals. The Bulls strength was always their disruptive defense, they would not have used only Rodman to try to stop Duncan, but Longley and Wenninton too, and if the team had stayed together, I think they would have gotten another player to add to the roster to help with this, they always were adding new role players. Would have that stop Duncan? Of course not, but it would have made it much more difficult for him to dominate as he did versus the Knicks, who had no one to bother him. And Phil Jackson been the genius couch he was would have rested Jordan a lot in the season and would have given Kukoc, Longley and Kerr more offensive responsibilities, and I think they would have delivered. The great thing about the triangle offense is that it is designated to give every player a shot, besides Jordan the Bulls didn’t have a great offensive player, but they manage to score a lot thanks to this system, that is why the 94 Bulls succeed so much without Jordan. And they would have done so in the 1999 finals too. 1999 was wide open for a team that peaked in the right moment to win, even tough it may have not have been the better team, just like has happened in the other shortened seasons, players are not fully into it for some reason, but older, disciplined teams like the Spurs and the Bulls can take advantage of it. Duncan was unstoppable but young, and I think that Rodman mind games, and a couple of really big bodies would have bother him a lot. And after Duncan, who else could have raised against the Bulls? Robinson had and awful for his standards (16.6 points per game, 42 FG%) Sean Elliot was terrible, Mario Elie and Avary Johnson were the third and fourth best players of the Spurs, and they didn’t play well either. The Spurs won because of Duncan brilliance, and I believe that the Bulls would have been a better match for him, on the other hand, the Spurs were great on paint defense, but the Bulls strength was not on the paint, but on the long 2. So yes, I think the Bulls would have won, they were the best matchup to defeat the Spurs on 1999, that is why they defeat them on the regular season. It would however take them 7 miserable low scoring games to do it. Maybe the first time Jordan would average less than 27 points in the finals. But he would still win the Finals MVP.
I definitely can say this is a tossup, and my reason for it is Kobe Bryant for the most part dominated the Spurs in the postseason too many peoples beliefs Michael Jordan is better than Kobe but they’re pretty much the same player what I get from it is that Kobe and Jordan’s play style was very efficient and sufficient at defeating Greg Popovich’s style of basketball on top of the fact they needed to drive the lane. They could just pick you apart from mid range. so like you said if these guys talk shit in any kind of way or did anything to offend Jordan, they might lose that championship because of it. But they stay quiet and hard. I think they beat the bulls. Again it’s a tossup.
Every time this topic is discussed, it's assumed that it would be the Spurs waiting for the Bulls in the Finals, but there is one problem. The Bulls remaining intact means that they keep Steve Kerr, instead of Kerr going to the Spurs. At first blush, this seems like no big deal, Kerr was a relatively minor role player. But we have to remember that in the final Western Conference standings, the Spurs and the Jazz finished tied for the top seed, which the Spurs won in a tiebreaker. So if Kerr is worth even just one win to the Spurs, that would give the Jazz the top seed, which means that they avoid the Blazer team that beat them, the Blazers would play the Spurs a round earlier, and the Spurs easily took care of them IRL, while the Jazz would get a not-quite-ready-for primetime Laker team. So the likely Western Conference Final is Jazz-Spurs, with the Jazz having homecourt advantage. While it's entirely possible that the Spurs would win that series anyway, we shouldn't act like it was a given. Could have been a third straight Bulls-Jazz final, which in theory, would have been easier for the Bulls to get that 4-peat, or it could have finally been the breakthrough for Stockton-Malone.
I was a Jazz fan in those days, but having seen them in the playoffs, I doubt they would have won. They were tired, slower and more incinsistent. Stockton played even fewer minutes, Malone finished the season with a 3/16 from the field and no legs. Unfortunately age and a compressed season killed them
@@itsallgoodman940he’s not saying that Kerr had anything to do with the dismantling. he’s basically saying that if Kerr is worth even 1 win share to SA then by him staying with CHI and, in theory, that takes 1 win away from the Spurs; which then changes the entire landscape of that playoffs
11:44 Maybe someone would have personally offended him... Tim Duncan did say he wasn't a fan of Jordan and wasn't impressed. MJ would be like "That's all I needed. That's all I needed for it to become personal" 😂😂😂
I never understood the: "I took it personal meme." Jordan was making shit up for motivation. Pippen was always the one that literally took it personal.
@@Davivd2 Sooo he made up Bryson Russell, Reggie Miller, George Karl in the '96 NBA finals, Isiah Rider / KG trash talk, the Pistons, or the Knicks??? Not even mentioning media scrutiny?? He didn't need to make sh!t up, 3/4 of the time, he felt like he had something to prove because there was always someone tossing rocks & hiding their hand afterwards
Still San Antonio would beat them. Realisticly they were much better team and Tim Duncan had his best offensive finals that year while also playing exceptional defense. David Robinson had also great impact and that team was simply incredible that season.
Imagine Duncan’s legacy if he started his career by ending Jordan’s reign. Irks me that the bulls didn’t get another chance because it would have been lit whatever the outcome
Yeah and perhaps his opinion of Jordan wouldn't be so nonchalant if he actually had a proper matchup against MJ in the finals. As much of an MJ fan I am, they're not winning it. Too old and too worn out.
@@imfinishedgrinding638u don't no for sure ok dude to old u say REALY ? dude just stop it ok, the kind of MOMENTUM DAT BUILS TEAM HAD GOING FOR A 7TH CHIP,, I WOULDN,T BET AGAINST THEM,WIT THAT JORDAN MENTALITY ENOUGH SAID
Definitely not winning. They were barely winning those last two finals if you look at the points that separated. They would’ve had to make a move, things moved slower then but teams were catching up. & dominant bigs would’ve hurt em. They never really seen anyone with more than one 20 point scorer for the most part the whole run.
It was strike shorten season it was setup perfect for Bulls to win would have been nice and rested from short season there is zero chance the Spurs beat them sorry not happening Krause robbed out of No7 why him and anyone related to him are hated and booed at the united center
To say Rodman was significantly declining is a huge stretch from the truth.. 1997-98 he average 36 minutes per game while average 15 rebounds. Missed out on All defensive team selection by 1 vote. In his final year with Dallas 1999-2000, average 32 minutes and 14 rebounds. Yeah, he ain’t washed 😂
Pippen wasn't the same Super Athlete and Post Up Player. Pippen in 1999 is not the same as Pippen in 1992. pippen was old and just playing for a check then. He destroyed his back worse than any athlete ever. He played 2 full seasons on a Shattered disc that was stabbing spinal Nerves in 97 and 98. He destroyed his Nerves causing them to be in a constant Excruciating Agony. The only reason he was able to play was cause he's one of the toughest players ever and also they would shoot Him up with 10ml of Cortizone before each half which is outlawed in Professional Sports today.
Pippen came in with a superiority complex.. Even Hakeem who dealed with Vernon Maxwell for years was tired of Pippen crying and trashing teammates.. His problem in Houston was thinking it was all about him
That Rockets team had serious chemistry issues, it’s pretty well known too. Pippen and Barkley never got along and Hakeem was too old to carry with all of that going on
Absolutely, in Portland he was a slower but still effective point forward leading, distributing and guiding a young talented team. Houston it was a clash of who is the leader, who is the guy? "Just throw the ball inside to one of them." "I don't have to listen to you, I was the other leader in a dynasty". Still had some athleticism left on Houston, but Barkley and Hakeem played slower at that point. Plus no team flow.
I'm never betting against Jordan in the finals. He is just simply the most determined player I have ever seen. If he had a solid supporting cast around him I think he still wins.
They would've had to Add someone Else Cause Pippen was not the same player anymore. He wasn't a top 10 player anymore and more like the 60th best after the Back Injuries and Back Pain that limited his Dunking, Fast Breaks and Post Ups. Rodman was 39, Also Harper was 36. They would've had to add a Few Good Players.
"I am never betting against Jordan in the finals", kid, its a team game.. he played for the bulls. Plop Jordan in there with no teamates and he gets smoked.. stop acting like he was a god. He is the greatest ever, not inhuman and can't win 1 v 5
That entire Bulls team DESERVED to go out on their shield...on their terms! The Bulls' front office absolutely robbed the world from seeing them try to capture that last championship to close out the decade. Idk if the Bulls would have won, but they earned that right to at least try. The Bulls have not been the same since Krause blew it up (which Reinsdorf allowed).
As a Chicago area native, the embarrassing front office decisions by every Chicago sports franchise made it hard to be a fan. The Blackhawks got it together for a while and the Cubs had one fantastic rebuild to a Championship run, but otherwise it’s been mismanagement across the board.
No, they would’ve faced the scenario every GOAT had to inevitably face: trying to win an a situation where your core was no longer intact. Magic went through that in 1990 and made it back to the finals, but yet NOBODY points out he no longer had Riley or Kareem. Actually, Jordan worshipers will argue tooth and nail that this was a PRIME Lakers team. Magic could’ve just retired in 89. He had 5 rings which was more than anyone in the post merger era by a long shot. But he decided to keep playing despite a new coach and his main star retired.
@@eddieG667 are you arguing with someone? You might be right, which is the point. The Bulls would have faded into the sunset at some point, for sure. It’s just disappointing that the Bulls management chose to artificially shut it down rather than run it back and see what happens. There’s a high probability they would have lost in the finals, but there was also a very real possibility that the legend of MJ might have continued with a 7th chip.
@@lucasvancina7691 just my opinion of course and still think it was ultimately Jordan who decided it was over. Phil Jackson has shown that he can be passive aggressive and he pushed out Jerry West in LA. They ultimately had to let him go and then re-hire him for Kobe’s 2nd run. People don’t realize that the 1st Jordan retirement was somewhat of a blessing as it gave them a break from each other. There’s no 2nd 3peat without that break. If there was a what if where MJ had the best chance of getting an additional ring, it was 1994 for me. Horace Grant was far more reliable than Rodman and Pippen was younger.
even if Jordan was 6-1 in the finals, he’d still be the best in most people’s minds. losing one finals is no different than losing in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1995.
I think that's underestimating the extent to which some Jordan fans will just scream "6-0 in finals!" I find that talking point annoying, but there's no denying its prominence.
@@aestheticphilosopher you’re just the first loser. you still lost just like the first rounders. it’s the same. y’all are just trying to say it’s different because you are trying to diminish LeBron’s accomplishments/achievements.
This once again brings to light something about the Bulls legacy that is seldom discussed. We never saw MJ falter because he simply left...twice. it leaves us discussing what-if's instead of having a full picture. And because we didn't see him defend any three-peats, the consensus is that he would've won because he did the last time we saw him.
94 95 Bulls vs rockets would be more entertaining than 99 bulls vs spurs. The 8 straight title would cement his legacy. although that rockets team will give run for his money
I like the Bulls but they don't get past NY or IND. The 99 Bulls would just be Jordan and Kukoc vs Everyone. (Pippen, Rodman, Longley were done as Starting level Championship Players. They were bench players) Jordan even admitted his final Ring was the hardest due to the injuries to all the bulls and also he sliced his finger bad in 1997. Then almost cut it off in 2001 That is why Jordan couldn't shoot at all in 2002. Also in 98 he admitted after that he had trouble shooting at times due to the Injury and he won the 98 Championship on all Hustle and said it was Tuff.
@@torhowell5202 Knicks pushed Rockets to 7 games and were pushed by a Jordanless Bulls to 7. And i doubt Horace Grant would've left if Jordan was still there, so a different situation for 95 also. Definitely not as simple as Rockets winning both years.
I highly doubt the Bulls win 8 straight if Jordan didn’t retire. Successive deep playoff runs are physically and mentally exhausting and the cumulative wear and tear increases the chances of injuries each year. There’s also the fact that it’s hard to stay motivated and hungry when you win all the time and that leads to complacency. Odds are that the Bulls would’ve ended up like the 2019 Warriors or 04 Lakers.
Bulls would not have won eight straight. I highly doubt the Bulls would've another title if Jordan hadn't retired. They lose once to the Rockets at least, but the Bulls getting Rodman and MJ coming back was the biggest reason for the second three-peat.
99 finals score gap between Spurs and Knicks wasn't that great and rebounds battle were won by a Knicks front line Chris Dudley, Marcus Camby and Larry Johnson. Older Longley, Rodman and a handicaped Pippen were still better than those 3. Duncan was in his 2nd year, he was great but still developing his game. He wasn't near the Big Fundamental yet. And by the way, who is guarding Jordan? Mario Ellie?? Sean Elliot?? LOL Bulls all day. Still, it would be a close one, in 6 or 7
One of the greatest "what ifs" in basketball history. I think Bulls management would have had to make a move to get a better center. It's a shame they didn't secure Bison Dele after the 97 season. I would have loved to see what the Bulls coud have done in one more year regardless.
They couldn't secure Dele/Brian Williams. He was a late season acquisition in 1997 and so the Bulls didn't have his Larry Bird rights. Dele would've had to have taken the biggest paycut in NBA history to come back one more year. That's why during the locker room celebration, Williams mentioned it was bittersweet. I always remembered how he said the moment he took off the Bulls jersey, he'd never put it on again, so he was in no hurry to get undressed.
I was a Bulls Fan in the 90s than followed Phil Jackson to LA and became a Lakers fan in 2001 because 1999 and 2000 i was watching NBA Basketball but I was more into WWF because Wrestling was red hot in 99 and 2000 The Attitude Era was awesome
I think people mix up that 99 Spurs team with their later excellent championship teams. This was a Spurs team without Tony Parker and Ginobili. That Spurs team was basically a Tim Duncan in just his second season in the NBA and an aging David Robinson who was not the same monster he used to be. The most amount of help they had was from Sean Elliott and Avery Johnson who averaged just 11ppg and 9ppg respectively. Also that Spurs team were an aging team just like the Bulls. The 8 main guys in their rotation, 7 of them were in their 30's with just Duncan at 22 being the young buck. Johnson - 33, Robinson - 33, Elie - 35, Kersey - 36, Elliott - 30... Tim Duncan led the team in scoring with just 21ppg. They were fantastic defensively but so were the Bulls in 98 and that wouldnt have changed in the 99 season. They literally had nobody to guard MJ, who are you gonna throw at him? Elliott? Mario Elie? Jordan would eat those boys for lunch and I mean actual abuse. When your top scorer is getting 21 a night from Tim Duncan and down the other end Jordan is dropping 40-50 on blokes. You're not winning games. Not to mention the Spurs relied on Sean Elliot as like a third option and you know Pippen would have blanketed him and just shut him down. They did have the advantage in the paint with Duncan and Robinson but teams always had the advantage over the Bulls in the paint. Shaq, Ewing, Mourning, even bigs like Karl Malone, Shawn Kemp, Rik Smits, the Davis brothers. They were all beaten by Jordan and the Bulls. Rodman doing work and then just throwing big bodies at the opposition centers like Longley, Wennington etc. Duncan was too young and inexperienced to lead that team past Jordan at the peak of his powers. IMO it would have been one of Jordan's easier championships considering the state of the East in 1999 and then the inexperienced Spurs in the finals. Bulls in 5.
This is a very legitimate point. I also think if Rodman wasn't able to get it done they would've looked to upgrade his position. Even then the Bulls had great depth, which swings it further in the favor of the Bulls winning.
Rodman was done. He was done in 98, let alone 99 after partying for 8 months. Longley would have been let go to pay pippin. So it was kukoc and Simpson's to defend a 2nd year duncan after 4 college years. And a still pretty good robinson. Not 03 robinson who was cooked. No chance. Spurs had Ellie, jackson, and daniels to throw at jordan. No they can't stop him, but they can elbow him to tire him out. Plus. I think in works out that the bulls beat the knicks in the 2nd round. But loose to the pacers. Steve kerr doesn't believe they would have won 4 straight. I wonder who he would have been playing for? Maybe the bulls release him as well to pay pippin. They would need his shooting. So did thr spurs. Maybe a turning point would be who he played for.
their 99 team was their best one. Robinson was still a top 10 player Duncan was the best player in the NBA. They had the Defense of all time. They only allowed 79 ppg all season and all playoffs. The BEST DEFENSE EVER The best Frontline of all time. Robinson at 17 ppg 11 rebs but back then that is like 50 ppg. 17 ppg means you're Jordan then.
@@JimBrave-ri1oc Robinson wasn't still a top 10 player and Duncan was far from the best player in the league in his second season. They had nobody who could guard Jordan. The Bulls would make light work of the Spurs.
If Krause/Reinsdorf got along with Phil Jackson and decided to continue the dynasty, they likely would have pursued another key piece to help their depth. Actually, the Bulls ended up signing Brent Barry as a free agent, and he could have shined alongside MJ as well as providing wing depth for Pippen and Harper. Honestly, this could have amplified a strength against the Spurs. Among bigs (PF's who could play as a Center), Chris Webber was a free agent that off season, and was ultimately traded for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe. It may have taken some mortgaging of future assets to get Webber, but the Bulls would stink for too many years anyways. Alternatively, they could have gotten Thorpe as a much expensive big to provide more of an obstacle against Robinson and Duncan. Otis was still productive for a really crappy Washington team that year. Speaking of the Wizards, the Bulls could have tried to get Washington's Ben Wallace a year prior to his trade to Orlando. This crystal ball move, albeit perhaps a bit premature in Ben's player development, could have had the Bulls getting a Rodman-like defender and rebounder who also tons of blocked shots, which would have helped against the Spurs.
Thats very valid points, also Rodman in Lakers still got 11 rebunds playing under 30 minutes. I think he still could be much better with Phil and MJ having more control over him. Also I think they wouldnt select Corey Benjamin in draft because they wouldnt need Shooting Guard so they could actually improve inside position but selectin someone else. Also I think letting Pippen go and aquire someone else could be an option too (considering that they almost trade him before for Tracy Mcgrady) and actually could improve the team like you mention before player like Brent Barry, there was a lot of good free agents available - just checked Tom Gugliota who come out from 20 pts season, Olden Polynice who could be still productive and maybe better then Longley etc. Kukoc was only 30 at that time so I think there is a big chance that team could be actully better - it all depends how head office will perform but I think lots of players could want to sign with Chicago considering its a big chance to win a ring, that factor I think its important as well
Terrific points,@@piotrk6519! I definitely agree with you on Rodman, Gugliota, and Kukoc as well as a possible trade for Pippen (though MJ may veto that again out of loyalty and his valid priority of continuity for 1 more season). Not sure about the benefit of Polynice because of his atrocious foul shooting and lack of shot blocking. However, another big point you made may be with the 1998 NBA Draft. Instead of Benjamin, a guy like Nazr Mohammad (the very next pick) would have helped against the Spurs as well as their constant search for a viable big. Cuttino Mobley and Rafer Alston were taken in the 2nd round, too.
@@mickeylee2624 yeah, I was actually thinking that picking nazr could be a good choice, also rashard Lewis was later choice but he didn't develop to good player straight away but maybe under Jordan influence he could show some promise earlier. Lots of ifs but if head office do some good moves (and to the point of breaking the dynasty they were very good) I think it's very possible that they could be really strong team. One if the downsides is Jordan character and his willing to play every game, no load management, with this amount of games could be a factor against
Definitely,@@piotrk6519. Lewis was probably one of the better players in the draft but would take too long to develop for the 1 year timeline. Very interesting possibilities!
The Spurs would have all the advantages by being younger & not struggling with a shortened season but I'd still bet on the Bulls winning in 7 games. Duncan was still a young and INEXPERIENCED Finals player in which Rodman could get in his head. Robinson was passed his prime so he would've been easier to handle.
That actually seems not to be true. According to @jodzilla_tv, 7 of the Spurs 8 man rotation was in their 30's with Duncan being the only young buck, "Johnson - 33, Robinson - 33, Elie - 35, Kersey - 36, Elliott - 30...". I think that information turns it far into the favor of the Bulls.
Steve Kerr was asked a similar question, and he said that he didn't believe that the Bulls would have won a fourth straight title (which was the first of the Houston Rockets' titles during Jordan's time away from the league). Kerr didn't believe it was possible due to the three deep runs prior, which led to three successive championships; he believed that the Bulls would have been too fatigued.
Right off the bat i'll say Dennis Rodman would tear up a rookie Tim Duncan. The craziest man in the nba vs the calmest man in the nba. Jordan had perfected putting the ball in the hoop and making it work with pippen.
I'm not convinced that the Bulls would have won 6 if Jordan never left to play baseball. The Jerrys would have blown up the team before that. And that's not even taking into account that I think psychologically he needed to take a break to come back and win a second threepeat.
Great points and all valid but i do think the gruelling schedule wouldnt havd been as much of a factor for an experienced championship level team especially because they would of been fresh from such a long break in the offseason. And considering Scottie played every game i dont think it wouldve been a major deal. Spurs and Bulls wouldve been interesting and you mention the spurs being strong where bulls were weak but that was a theme throughout the bulls title runs. How about the bulls being strong where other teams were not even necessarily weak but were made weak in comparison to the bulls? Jordan, Scottie and Harper had the ultimate back court and wing lineup which obviously proved unbeatable. So their strength was greater than any strength of any other team. We'll never know but i would never have doubted MJ
What this commentator fails to mention is leading into the 1998-1999 season, Michael Jordan had suffered a very severe cut on his hand that would've prevented him from playing in several games. Furthermore, It was a lock-out season in which every team played only 50 games, including 3 games in 3 days/nights, and the season began in February 1999.
It's hard to predict because Jordan was the team leader and motivated Pippen and kept Rodman professional because of the immense respect Rodman had for Jordan. Without Jordan the other two regressed in part because they lacked the motivational drive/push Jordan's competitivity instilled in that whole organization. It's one of the best arguments as to why Jordan is the GOAT. He never went from team to team but instead changed the culture of the cocaine circus into the second greatest dynasty in NBA history. What made Jordan great, and the most important thing at the highest level, is his mental/emotional drive. Everyone is talented in the NBA but his mental acuity was second to none besides MAYBE Bill Russell.
I personally feel they wouldve lost, but in 7. They were getting old, needed a bigger interior presence in the pf position and a way better center than luc longley. Plus pippen was getting older and jordan wouldve been gassed trying to carry the bulls.
I think if they stacked up the team with a Few All Stars and let Pippen be more of a 6th man type player then they Win a few More Times. Cause Jordan is still the best in the NBA even at 37 and 38.
Bulls 4-2 and 7th ring, MJ could concentrate on his mid-range game and dominate, Bulls centers always did a solid job on other Big's, you could put Rodman on Robinson, trying to get in his head, Pippen being all around as always, Kukoc and Kerr for a couple of 3s, Harper locking somebody down on defense.
Pippen was not the same in 98 or 99. He went from top 10 to about 70th best. Kukoc got somewhat better but was still only about the 40th best player at best. So can 37 year old Jordan win with the 40th best player. Rodman was 39 and can't guard Robinson at 17 / 11 / 2 and All NBA Team
As much as I love MJ and that Bulls team, this is a tough one. MJ's finger injury (severed tendon) was the biggest setback. Pippen also regressed a lot during 97-98 (like the video states) and even more during 98-99's shortened season.
I dont think they win. As good as Rodman was as a defender. Robinson and Duncan would be to much for the Bulls Interior defense. Pippen was getting too old and his injuries caught up to him. The only one who would have been consistent is Michael and It'll take a lot more than him to win. The spurs take the series in a tough 6 game series.
@@syondlasithole1454yeah with MJ as your only constant against Duncan and Robinson Elliot and Avery Johnson that would not have been easy. Pippen was on a major decline and Rodman though productive was declining too. The spurs defense would definitely have given the Bulls a lot of trouble. I do think the one edge that could allow the Bulls to upset is Phil Jackson being the better coach(assuming he is in this Hypothetical) and Jordan being the best player on the floor. Lets be real. The 98 Jazz were actually a better team than the 98 Bulls. It was a testament to MJ's greatness that the Bulls squeaked out the W because of him literally carrying the Bulls. I think it would be an effort similar to that in 93 where MJ averaged 41 against the Suns. I think the series is tough but, it's MJ and its so hard to count him and Phil out. And before someone says Pop was a better coach. Pop wasnt the Pop we know and love until around 2005. Before then he was a good coach but not at the heights he'd reach later on. So it would not surprise me if Phil would out coach him.
Lol interior defense? They lost in rebounds against Knicks's Chris Dudley, Granma Johnson and Marcus Camby. Even a handicap Longley, Pippen and Rodman were better than them
@@dragonmaldito and you think an aging Rodman, Longley and Pippen is better in Rebounding than that Knicks front court. Especially if Rodman is playing less minutes. Once Rodman is out they're not beating that spurs team on the glass. And that Knicks unit had great Rebounding anyway its not like they were so slouches.
I mostly agree with your synopsis, especially the Bulls emerging from the east. But regarding Pippen and Rodman losing a step, to my understanding Dennis has gone on record previously stating he was banged up, but good enough to play. Back in the 90's that could mean a wide range of things, including staving off surgery. The following season he lacked the fire and focus he had previously playing under Phil, and even so played very well in the time he had (his per 100 numbers on boards were only 2 less, despite having Shaq on his team every night). I think that was more of a chemistry issue. Dennis had a kinship and understanding with Phil that led to a more motivated version of himself. That was absolutely not present with Dell Harris. Regarding Pippen, on a Rockets team that included Hakeem and Barkley, he simply wasn't asked to carry as much of the offensive load, or even be a consistent second option. He played as well defensively as ever. There's a chance that a 1999 Bulls squad that included more of Kukoc filling in for Pippen's slightly waning offense, could be almost as strong. I do think the Spurs are a hell of an opponent though. I'd call it a coin toss, or maybe 60/40 in favor of the Spurs.
Agree. People underestimate Rodman too much like usual. He is one of the greatest athlete of all time. Even when he was with the Lakers, he still did his crazy routine where after the game he would go on the treadmill and run 4-5 miles. Shaq even stated so. Rodman wasn't declining physically. He just wasn't there mentally.
Great Video as always: It really hard to say: But I believe the Bulls would've pull it off. My reason: Begins with Jordan: I agree with you that 1st: Jordan was still at the top of his game at the end of his last championship. He would've gotten rest. He is also able to step up on 3 pt shooting like he did with the Portland Trail blazer. He stepped up his game with steals. Pippen just needed to focus on scoring not contending for the ball on Rebounding because of his back. And help on Defensive end When the team really needed him. Rodman would step up his game on defense because Jordan would made sure of that, and He respected Jordan greatly and he knew what type of player Jordan was. He could deal with Tim Duncan with Pippen. Luke Longley could focus on David Robinson who was coming to the end of his career. Ron Harper: was able to give double digits in pts and help guard his match up with defense. Tony Kukoc: had to step it up, as well, and Jordan would've made sure of that BJ was also an awesome 3pt shooter
Because we know that Phil lead the lakers to 2championships against the Spurs without Shaq /He could've coached the Bulls to another Championship against the Spurs.
I cant see them winning after all the issues with the Jerrys even if they were able come back . No doubt that competitive fire was burning a lot more but I do feel Jordan just wanted the chance for someone else beat them while they were at the top. If they did played the 1999 season , they might have lost if ever they made that finals and we might never gotten the Wizards years because that itch might have been gone
Another great post and compelling argument man. We won’t ever truly know but it’s safe to say with everything the bulls had going against them they would’ve lost to Duncan, Robinson and the spurs.
Pippen was fed up with not getting paid while being a multiple time champion. It would be very difficult to keep him with a huge pay raise while also keeping the rest of the roster. And people love to praise Rodman, but according to Dirk Nowitzki, he was purely stat padding his rebounds in 99, letting guys shoot unguarded so he could get the rebound in case they miss.
Sacramento got Chris Webber for aging Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe. Chicago trades Scottie and Rodman for Webber, now they have an interesting matchup for Duncan. Wizards traded Ben Wallace for Isaac Austin. I'm sure since it's Pippen/Rodman and not Richmond/Thorpe that you could ask Washington to throw in Ben Wallace. Now you have Jordan with Webber in Scottie's role and Ben Wallace in Rodman's role. They could have maybe even taken down Shaq with that front court. Remember, Webber's Kings should have beaten the Lakers in 2002.
I mean.. just stack a bunch of sharpshooters and hall of fame defenders and rebounders around Jordan like they always did in previous years and you have another easy title..
The Bulls win a 7th if given the chance. The idea that the Bulls weakness is their interior play isn't new. They always had answers for other teams with good bigs such as San Antonio. Duncan was ok in his second year, he wasn't the dominant force he became later. Robinson was past his prime and his game was built on his athleticism that had fallen dramatically. Pippin would lock down the third scoring option which would put more scoring on the bigs that were already carrying as much as they could. Harper would lock down Avery. Spurs defense was not as capable as the Bulls when you look at the matchups that would happen. The Bulls won 6 championships without an above average center. Number 7 would have been no different. The shortened season would have favored the Bulls despite the idea that older teams didn't do as well. they knew how to manage players and they all knew how to get to the finals. Once in the finals it's over every time.
Don't think that Twin Towers would be an x-factor in that possible finals. It's the same case as "what if MJ have to play 94 and 95 finals against Hakeem". Bulls knew how to play against teams built around their PF/C leaders dominating the paint. All those big fellows struggled playing vs bulls more than the others, having many turnovers. If Bulls 99 had to play against Lakers 2000 that would be a real problem, because of Kobe and all those shooters they had. But i think they had good chances against Spurs, they were more used to that kind of opponents.
Yeah, I'm thinking about something related to Steph's legacy. Dude was so nuts. The "Curry's not clutch" narrative should be officially dead at this point.
@jonnyarnett the team us stacked with legends. You could probably do a series on all of them. Even a bunch of other countries. Full disclosure. I just watched highlights but seeing all them play together was special
People keeping underestimating Jordan's Bulls, and they just keep proving them wrong. Would they be too tired? Pfftt get out of here. This is the most battle tested team of all time. Even if they were exhausted, they would find a way, as evident by their last 3 peat when they played multiple 6 and 7 game series. Fatigue is a factor, but not an issue. As for Pippen and Rodman- both were different players without Jordan. Pippen was trying to find his role in Houston, and Rodman became a loose canon. If both stayed, Pippen would continue to excel in his perfect Robin role, provided he stay healthy. Rodman would be reeled in by the Zen Master and Jordan's leadership. No problemo. Now against the Spurs in the Final? Yeah SA had the twin tower, but they were very weak on the perimeter. Jordan, Pippen, and Kukoc would have no issue running their offense. Defensively is where it could be a problem. Duncan and Robinson were both monsters. But don't forget- there is only one ball. Jordan's Bull have played against great bigs before, and have defeated them all. They KNOW how to play against great bigs. Shaq, Ewing, Mourning, Olajuwon- all brought it and all lost. It would be the same story for Duncan and Robinson. Plus gotta remember this was an aging Robinson. Still good, but not dominant. Bulls win their 7th NBA Finals in 6. Jordan takes it personal and calls out all the doubters one last time to kiss his rings before retiring as the GOAT.
There was so much going on with the contracts of that team put hypothetically speaking if they were able to bring the same team back, I have no question about them getting through the east, and I would actually pick them to get through the Spurs, it would have been the only seven game finals in the Bulls run tho, and that would have been the end for them
My thoughts are pretty much the same as yours regarding the Bulls' 1999 championship chances. I believe they would have been good enough to make The Finals, but the Spurs probably would have beaten them due to the Spurs being strong where the Bulls were weak and age also being a factor.
From searching through the comments, I don't think it would be that clear. Pippen played all 50 games and made 1st def in 99. Other than Rodman who probably would've been their biggest weak point but not that bad, the Bulls are deeper and have other semi stars that can step up i.e. Harper, kukoc.... Add in to that the Spurs were just as old, 7 of their 8 man rotation was in their 30's and the Admiral was starting to weaken, Tim still being too young, no Kerr (who was traded to them in 99). I think it swings it in the direction of the Bulls.
Are we sure Pippen wouldn't have been as sure a thing? Being inconsistent on a new team isn't necessarily the same thing as doing it with your long-time teammates. Betting if they'd found a way to get Dennis to stop drinking and smoking and gotten him eating well he could have made up for the aging.
No they could not have. I’m a huge fan from that era and they were lucky to win in 98. Pippen was a shell of himself after his back surgery. It was over,
Bulls would've had no answer for Duncan *and* Robinson either. Rodman was well past his defensive peak at what 38 or 39? and the rest of the Bulls frontcourt would be BBQ chicken.
@@CrazyxEnigma yeah I always tell bulls fans that this team would have wound up like the 2004 Lakers, a tired championship team that got beat by a younger and hungrier Pistons.
@@Trvllumanati MJ wouldn't be able to carry them to a 4peat by himself with all that wear and tear. That's also assuming in this alternative universe he never mangled his thumb with a cigar cutter which required surgery so he might not have even played that season anyway.
Great video, Jonny! I too do not think they would have defeated the Spurs in 1999. Rodman would do a good job but to take on both Duncan and Robinson would've been too much. Even if the Bulls kept Longley, I don't see him or Bill Wellington being able to help Rodman enough. MJ would be amazing and Pippen would give the Spurs some problems and would definitely be better than Elliott and Elie. But, as you said, Pippen would probably be inconsistent. MJ would score a lot, but Duncan and Robinson would make it challenging for him nearer to the basket. I don't see MJ leading the Bulls to a win over the Spurs. I too think it would be over in 6 or 7 with the Spurs winning it. Awesome video again. Have a great day, Jonny!
But you seemed to forget that the Bulls could lean on Kukoc. Pippen, MJ & Harper being defensive forces and Rodman just being a pest is good enough for the Bulls. Pippen not shooting well? Lean on Kukoc. Tim was still too young, and the Admiral was no longer a force, also adding on that most of their players were in their 30's as well. The Bulls depth and defensive strength would be the difference maker.
@@strmshadow8411 Great point. You're right that I didn't consider Kukoc. He would be critical. I think it'd be a close series, but yes, Kukoc and the Bulls depth is another factor. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Also, cool profile pic!
What we found out was they could've ran it back 2 3 5 more years. But phill didn't want to come back. But came bk later for 2001 2002 2003 wins with Lakers.
I find it interesting how this team hypothetically could’ve had decent shots at a possible 9 championships with bad luck in the 1990 east conference finals, 1994-1995 had Jordan not retired and possibly again in 1999. But of course they lost in 1990 and it’s unlikely they would’ve won in 94,95 and 99 but hey, maybe in an alternate universe it happened.
99 would've been the hardest. Even Jordan wasn't his prime then. Maybe in Smarts and Know how but he admitted he couldn't shoot anymore really due to slicing the nerves in his Index Shooting finger after the 97 Finals. he said the 98 Run was All Hustle and it was tuff for him cause he couldn't just rely at times on being the best Mid Range Shooter anymore. That is what made that 98 Final Shot So Impressive. People that follow the Team Knew he had messed up his Shooting Finger but some how was able to give us one last Final Shot after squaring it up and everything.
Not a Bulls Fan But Bulls in 6 Phil Jackson the best coach of all time would had figure out away for the Bulls to win the series never doubt a Phil Jackson Coach team just ask the Sacramento Kings back in 2002
I would still consider Jordan's 2 retirement as the 7th and 8th championship if he didnt leave the Bulls at that time. Don't get me wrong, i am a bulls and Jordan fan.
Great video, but one detail to add to the hypotheticals: I dont think the Bulls, after seeing the hell Rodman put them through the previous year AND his age, wouldnt have signed at least 1 low post presence as insurance. Depending on who, then this outcome mightve changed.
The older (and more injury-riddled) Bulls would've had more time to heal and prepare for a much-shortened season. I think they would have preferred that instead of a longer season, even with more spread-out games.
As a Bulls fan I'm glad we're the only team in nba history with multiple finals appearances (6) and no losses (0). That's a tough record to beat and I hope it stays that if Chicago wins another title
Biggest MJ fan but I've always felt this: In 94 they 4peat,95 they lose in the ECF and 99 they lose to the Spurs in 6 or 7. SA was just too big with the twin towers.
It really just depends on who the new guys would have been. As amazing as Jordan was, he also had the best supporting cast of the 90s and the Bulls were able to retool the supporting cast in the two years between the three-peats. They weren't going to beat young Duncan and late prime Robinson as they were set, but I think if the Bulls could have gotten someone to take the Rodman-Longley minutes and additional bench energy, the Bulls could've gotten the 7th ring.
Even if they stuck together, Michael Jordan had lacerated his finger on his shooting hand in the off-season. This would have prevented him from coming back to play the following season which is something he had said himself.
I think the Spurs would have home court advantage, and despite MJs heroics, they'd win 4-3, closing out in a thriller at home, against a totally drained Bulls squad.
I think the more exciting finals match up that we should have gotten is Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets. Should make a video on if MJ never retires could they defeat the Houston Rockets. If Horace Grant stays with the Chicago Bulls the might have defeated them. If Dennis Rodman comes to the Chicago Bulls earlier I think they can defeat them but if Horace leaves and Dennis doesn’t come I see them have a difficult time winning against Hakeem.
Big Bulls/Jordan fan here. I personally think they would've come up short in 1999. I think the only way they run it back and pull it off is if 1) Jordan never had the finger injury with the cigar cutter and 2) the squad gets enough rest and recovery during the lockout but stays in decent enough basketball shape (see Shawn Kemp as an example of what could go wrong without training camp). It would've been brutal for a veteran team to play 50 games in such a compact schedule. If Jordan was planning on coming back, maybe there'd be a butterfly effect where he doesn't cut his finger on the cigar cutter. I think the team's leadership would've made sure that players were ready to go for the February 5 start date. But I think age and the punishing schedule would've gotten to them.
@@mrmacross more than that, I think they have inevitable in-team fighting and burn out. 3 seasons with a championship run take a definite toll and while they don’t limp to the finish line in 98, the writing was on the wall as I’ve seen several dynasties come to an end. The Lakers dynasty is the longest of them and they burned out in 1990 losing to the Suns. They were sick of Pat Riley as well
Pippen only "lost a step" and had worst stats because of the system in Houston not fitting his play style optimally. Pippen would've been like '97 Pippen. Rodman averaged 14.3 rpg AFTER he left LA. His boards were getting eaten by Shaq. He would've thrived as usual in Chicago And against the spurs.. Yeah, SA had outstanding defensive BIG men, but the bulls had literally the two greatest wing defenders of all time, and one of of not the greatest defensive power forwards of all time. The bulls had enough size to combat their bigs while Jordan, Pippen, and rodman could play help side off of weak offensive guards. Who was gonna stop Jordan on SA's side? And don't forget Kukoc. The bulls have had no problems against superior centers in their entire run, including sweeping Shaq, beating Patrick Ewing 4/4 times in the playoffs, Rik Smits, Alonzo Mourning. They'd be just fine The bulls would've won in 6
Agreed. Jordan, Pippen and the rest of the team would have played much the same as in 98. Pippen had enough rest after surgery in the shortened 99 season and actually looked quicker and more energetic playing in houston. Its that just houston did not utilise Pippen properly and the system was all based around feeding the ball down low to Hakeem and using pippen as a spot up 3 shooter. that was never his game. Pippens rebounds, assists, steals, blocks were still on par with his normal output. He just got given less shots. you take less shots you score less. its that simple. Being in the Chicago triangle offence would have given him back his 17 shots a game and he would have been putting up his usual 19-20 a game no problem. Rodman would have gotten his rebounds as usual and played his defence as normal. The rest of the team would be unchanged. Chicago would have played the same as the last 2 seasons and would have beated Spurs no problem.
That 98 bulls team was the oldest team to win a championship. I think if that team came back and also had more rest due to the lockout year..I think they get it done..but it would be a real grind due to.the roster being a year older being the oldest roster in the league.
Spot on analysis here. They could have gotten out of the East, but the Spurs would probably have beaten them. Rodman would have been a couple step behind what he was in 98. He was in freefall at that point. Sean Elliot was clearly a better player than him.
I still love how Detroit traded Rodman for Elliott before the 1994 season, but somehow SAS ended up with both players in 1995. That's got to be one of the worst trades in NBA history due to that peculiarity.
The answer is simple as pimple - 8. They would win vs Spurs in 1999 4:3...and with Rockets in 1994. They woul loose in 1995...and in 200 would fall in conference semi's
It would have been a tall task for the Bulls to beat the Spurs. I think the front court alone would have been very tough to overcome. They would have had to make some off season or in season moves to give some scoring help for them. Duncan and Robinson were outstanding during that season. I think there might be too many ifs to have to address. Very good well thought out video by the way.
I would Iike to point out that the bulls went on a brutal road trip every season when the circus took over their arena. The games were extremely condensed. Several back to backs. Even some back to back to backs. Could’ve possibly aided them with the other teams not being used to that type of grind. Ironically, the spurs go on a similar yearly trip,when the rodeo comes to town, but I don’t believe it was as difficult as the bulls’ trip
I’m a Jordan fan. Of course I want to say Jordan. It just depends on so many unknown factors like you said at the end. If Jordan has the motivation, that’s a factor. Could Jordan motivate the Bulls to play harder? During the time off, did the Bulls hit the gym? 6-0 is better than 6-1. But if they could have been 7-0, that would have great to see. 🤷🏾♂️
I think if just depends of it they Stack the Team up around Jordan. Move Pippen to the Bench due to all the back injuries from being slamed down by Zo Mourning. . They would've needed an All Star at Center or PF. Eddie Jones, Mitch Richmond, Webber, Gugliotta, Ceballos, Rice, Divac, Stackhouse, Even Grant Hill Were All Available for Trade.
In the Last Dance, Jordan said it would’ve taken some convincing to get Pippen back after 98, but that’s where I disagree. Phil or no Phil, Pippen held too much of a grudge with his original contract, that he was going to chase a bigger payday elsewhere. No Pippen means a bigger strain on Rodman, who was already unreliable. So Jordan will have to carry even more than usual at 35. It’s possible the Bulls could’ve found another piece via trade or free agency, but I doubt it’d be enough to make up what they’d lose. I’d agree that Jordan could easily carry a team through the East in 99, but beating the Spurs (or even the Blazers or Jazz) would’ve been tough.
Rodman moreso depends on his mindset.. Kobe and Shaq cried about his antics.. Jordan and Phil took it upon themselves to get Dennis right while trying to keep it out of the media
I think honestly they would have won a 7th if Reinsdorf ran it back one more season with Phil and the same roster. Yes the twin towers in San Antonio were deadly but the 1-4 were crazy on the bulls and that would’ve still been deadly. Ron Harper and Kukoc were the only guys left at the start of the 99-00 season and they had no Pip/MJ/Rodman/Kerr to help with scoring, defense, ball movement, etc. Especially if Pip was 100% by the beginning of that season.
They would've had to RELoad with a Star player and some Good Rotation players. I really don't see Karse doing that They only added 3 players in the entire decade. Longley, Harper and Rodman. No one else. Everyone else was a draft pick by Phil Jackson
