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Jordan rises: the Chicago Bulls story
Franchise era
1984–85—1989–90
Jordan rises
Chicago Bulls
The story in one sentence
Jordan transformed the franchise instantly. Pippen and Grant arrived in 1987, and repeated losses to Detroit taught the Bulls what their first title would require.
The superstar arrives; the championship cast forms
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for six championships.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1984–85
What came before
Gilmore supplied an elite interior anchor, but Chicago spent most of the period searching for the next durable core.
1989
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks
1989
Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons
1990
Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons
After 1989–90
What came next
The triangle offense, Jordan's scoring, Pippen's versatility and two distinct supporting casts produced six titles in eight seasons.
The core
Faces of the chapter
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