The 1996 Chicago Bulls roster was one of the most iconic and successful teams in NBA history.
Led by head coach Phil Jackson, the team featured the legendary Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, as well as solid role players like Toni Kukoč, Luc Longley, Ron Harper, and Steve Kerr.
| Position | First Name | Last Name |
|---|---|---|
| Guard | Michael | Jordan |
| Forward | Scottie | Pippen |
| Forward | Dennis | Rodman |
| Forward | Toni | Kukoč |
| Centre | Luc | Longley |
| Guard | Ron | Harper |
| Guard | Steve | Kerr |
| Centre | Jud | Buechler |
| Centre | Bill | Wennington |
| Guard | Randy | Brown |
| Forward | Jason | Caffey |
| Head Coach | Phil | Jackson |
The Chicago Bulls are one of the most well-known professional basketball teams and it is based in Chicago, Illinois.
The team was founded in 1966 and joined the NBA as an expansion team.
They struggled in their early years, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the team began to achieve success under the leadership of head coach Phil Jackson and players Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.
With this core group, the Bulls won six NBA championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. This era of the Bulls, also known as the “Jordan era,” is widely considered one of the greatest teams in NBA history and Michael Jordan is widely considered as the most significant basketball player of our era.
The team was known for its strong defence, dominant rebounding, and unselfish ball movement on offence, which helped them win a then-record 72 regular-season games, and the 1996 NBA championship.
The team continued its dominance the following year and won two more championships, making it one of the most successful teams in the history of the league.
With their unselfish play, tenacity and their ability to make the most of the resources, the 1996 Chicago bulls remain one of the most iconic teams in NBA history.
However, after the retirement of Michael Jordan, the team struggled to maintain its success but still made the playoffs multiple times. In recent years the team has rebuilt through the draft, trading and free agency, and has a strong young core of players.
With the new players and the new coach, the team is looking to return to the glory days of the past and become a championship team once again.
The team continues to have a large and passionate fan base, and it remains one of the most popular teams in the NBA.
Table of Contents
List of 1996 Chicago Bulls Roster Players
1. Michael Jordan
- Name: Michael Jordan
- Born: 17 February 1963
- Where: Cumberland Hospital
- Position: Guard
Michael Jordan is a former professional basketball player who is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of our era.
He played for the Chicago Bulls for 13 seasons, from 1984 to 1993 and 1995 to 1998. During his time with the Bulls, he led the team to six NBA championships and won the NBA Finals MVP award six times.
He was also a five-time regular-season MVP and a 14-time NBA All-Star. Jordan also won Olympic gold medals as a member of the US Men’s Olympic Basketball team in 1984 and 1992.
Michael Jordan was a key member of the 1996 Chicago Bulls roster, playing the guard position. He was the team’s leading scorer and the undisputed leader both on and off the court.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, he averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game and was named the Finals MVP.
Michael Jordan continued his dominance in the following years, winning two more championships and solidifying his legacy as the greatest player of all time.
After he retired from the game, he became a successful businessman and owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
2. Scottie Pippen
- Name Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr.
- Born: 25 September 1965
- Where: Hamburg, Arkansas, United States
- Position: Forward
Scottie Pippen has retired from his basketball career after many years on the basketball field. He is best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he played alongside Michael Jordan, helping the team win six NBA championships.
He played for the Bulls for 12 seasons, from 1987 to 1998.
During his career, Pippen was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times.
His NBA career was also recognized as one of the best by the league in 1996 when he was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players of All-Time.
Scottie Pippen was a key member of the 1996 Chicago Bulls roster, playing the forward position.
He played alongside Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman, providing excellent defence, passing, and rebounding. During the 1996 NBA Finals competing the Seattle Supersonics.
In that season he averaged 21.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game and was instrumental in the team’s run to the championship.
After retiring from playing, he worked as a coach and commentator and also had a brief return to playing. He is widely considered one of the best small forwards in the history of the game.
3. Dennis Rodman
- Name: Dennis Keith Rodman
- Born: 13 May 1961
- Where: Trenton, New Jersey, United States
- Position: Forward
Dennis Rodman is one of the most well-known Americal Basketball players and he played for some of the biggest teams in the country (Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks).
He is known for his defensive skills and rebounding abilities and is considered one of the best rebounders in the history of the NBA.
He played for the Chicago Bulls from 1995 to 1998 and was a key member of the team that won three consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998. He was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a seven-time NBA rebounding champion.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, Dennis Rodman averaged 14.9 rebounds per game, 2.3 assists and 2.1 points per game.
He was instrumental in the team’s run to the championship by providing solid defence and rebounding and his ability to guard the best players in the league.
Dennis Rodman was also known for his flamboyant and controversial off-court personality, and his colourful hair and tattoos. After retiring from playing, he has dabbled in acting and professional wrestling.
4. Toni Kukoč
- Name: Toni Kukoč
- Born: 18 September 1968
- Where: Split, Croatia
- Position: Forward
Toni Kukoč is a retired Croatian professional basketball player. He played for the Chicago Bulls from 1993 to 2000 and was a key member of the team that won three consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
He was known for his versatility and was able to play multiple positions, including small forward, power forward, and point guard. He was also a good passer, ball-handler, and defender.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, Toni Kukoč came off the bench to provide scoring, ball handling and defence for the team, averaging 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
He was really important in the team’s run to the championship, providing scoring and playmaking off the bench.
Toni Kukoč was a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, the first European player to win the award, and he was also a two-time Euroscar European Basketball Player of the Year.
He was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 1996. After retiring from playing, he worked as a basketball executive and coach in Europe.
5. Luc Longley
- Name: Lucien James Longley
- Born: 19 January 1969
- Where: Melbourne, Australia
- Position: Centre
Luc Longley played for the Chicago Bulls from 1994 to 1998 and was a critical member of the team that won three consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
He was the first Australian player to play in the NBA and one of the first to have a significant impact. He was known for his size, at 7’2″ he was one of the tallest players in the league at that time and his defensive and shot-blocking abilities.
Luc Longley was also a good passer and had good mid-range shooting. He was not as offensively gifted as other centres in the league, but he was an important role player for the Bulls, providing size and defence in the middle. After his retirement, he worked as a basketball coach and commentator.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, Longley averaged 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, and was critical in the team’s run to the championship.
His size and defence provided a solid presence in the paint and helped the team to control the glass and secure many possessions.
He was an important role player for the team, providing size, defence and veteran leadership. His contributions, both on and off the court, made him an important part of the team’s success during the Jordan era.
6. Ron Harper
- Name: Ronald Harper
- Born: 20 January 1964
- Where: Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Position: Guard
Ron Harper is a well-known American former professional basketball player. He played for the Chicago Bulls from 1994 to 1998 and won three consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
He was known for his defensive skills and as a solid three-point shooter. He was a five-time NBA champion, including the three titles he won with the Bulls.
He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1986 and also played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
During the 1996 NBA Finals playing against the Seattle Supersonics, Ron Harper averaged 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
He was important for the team’s run to the championship, as she was providing solid defence and shooting from the perimeter.
His three-point shooting, ball handling, and leadership skills made him an important piece of the team’s offence.
Ron Harper was considered a valuable role player for the team and his contributions helped the team to secure many victories. After his retirement, he worked as a basketball coach and commentator.
7. Steve Kerr
- Name: Stephen Douglas Kerr
- Born: 27 September 1965
- Where: Beirut, Lebanon
- Position: Guard
Steve Kerr is currently the head coach of the Golden State Warriors. As a professional basketball player, he played for the Chicago Bulls from 1993 to 1998 and won three consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
He was known for his shooting accuracy and his ability to hit clutch shots. He was a five-time NBA champion, including the three titles he won with the Bulls.
He was also a good passer and a solid defender. He played a key role off the bench for the Bulls, providing shooting and veteran leadership.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, he averaged 7.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game and hit several clutch shots during the series, including a game-winning three-pointer in Game 1.
He was definitely an asset on the 1996 roster and his contributions, both on and off the court, made him an important part of the team’s success during the Jordan era.
After his playing career, he worked as a television commentator and coach. He has been the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, where he won 4 more championships.
8. Jud Buechler
- Name: Judson Donald Buechler
- Born: 19 June 1968
- Where: San Diego, California, United States
- Position: Centre
Jud Buechler is a former American professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 season.
He played college basketball at Arizona before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft.
Buechler spent five seasons with the Warriors before signing with the Bulls in 1994. He was a role player for the Bulls and was known for his three-point shooting and defensive ability.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, he averaged 2.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. He played an important role off the bench for the team, providing energy, shooting and defensive versatility.
Jud Buechler played for the Bulls till 1999, then played for the Detroit Pistons, Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks before retiring in 2002.
9. Bill Wennington
- Name: William Percey Wennington
- Born: 26 April 1963
- Where: Montreal, Canada
- Position: Centre
Bill Wennington is a retired Canadian professional basketball player who played centre for the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 season.
He played college basketball at St. John’s University before being selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 1985 NBA Draft.
Wennington also played for the Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and the Bulls. He was traded to the Bulls in 1993 and played with the team until 1998.
He was the backup centre for the team and was known for his ability to hit clutch shots and for his strong play on the defensive end.
During the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, he averaged 2.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. He played an important role off the bench for the team, providing size and shooting.
He was known for his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and his presence in the paint defensively.
Bill Wennington retired from the NBA in 2000.
10. Randy Brown
- Name: Randy Brown
- Born: 22 May 1968
- Where: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Position: Guard
Randy Brown is a retired American professional basketball player who played guard for the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 season.
He played college basketball at New Mexico State before being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Boston Celtics in 1991.
Before joining the Bulls Randy Brown played for the Celtics, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets. He came off the bench to provide a spark for the team, known for his aggressive play and tenacity on defence.
Randy Brown played a key role off the bench for the 1996 Chicago Bulls during the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics.
Despite limited minutes, he managed to average 3.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, showing his value and impact on the team.
He served on the Bulls till 1999, then played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics before retiring in 2005.
11. Jason Caffey
- Name: Jason Andre Caffey
- Born: 12 June 1973
- Where: Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Position: Forward
Jason Caffey is a retired American professional basketball player who played forward for the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 season.
He played college basketball at Alabama before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1995 NBA Draft.
He was traded to the Bulls on draft night and played with the team until 2000. He was a backup power forward and centre for the team and was known for his strong play in the post, and his ability to finish around the rim.
Jason Caffey played an important role off the bench for the 1996 Chicago Bulls during the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics.
He managed to average 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, demonstrating his value and impact on the team.
Known for his size and ability to rebound and score inside the paint, he provided scoring and rebounding off the bench and helped the team tie the victory and win the championship.
Jason Caffey played for the Bulls till 2000 and then played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and the Seattle SuperSonics before retiring in 2005.
Phil Jackson – Head Coach
- Name: Philip Douglas Jackson
- Born:17 September 1945
- Where: Deer Lodge, Montana, United States
Phil Jackson was the head coach of the 1996 Chicago Bulls. He joined the team in 1989 and led the team to six NBA championships during his tenure.
Phil Jackson was known for his innovative coaching strategies, including the use of the triangle offence, and for his ability to lead and motivate the team.
He was a master at creating a winning culture and his leadership was instrumental in the team’s success during the Jordan era.
The team went 72-10 during the regular season, the best record in NBA history, and won the NBA championship, led by the “big three” of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.
Jackson’s coaching style was based on the principles of meditation and mindfulness and helped players to focus on the present moment, which was a key factor in their success.
After retiring from coaching, he worked as a team executive and an author.
The 1996 Chicago Bulls roster was a talented and accomplished group of players that achieved great success during the season.
Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the team was able to secure the best record in NBA history, going 72-10, and winning the NBA championship.
The team also had a strong supporting cast of role players who provided scoring, defence, rebounding, and veteran leadership.
Head coach Phil Jackson’s innovative coaching strategies and ability to lead and motivate the team were key factors in their success.
The 1996 Chicago Bulls roster will always be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, and their achievements will forever be etched in the annals of basketball lore.
If you liked this, make sure to check out Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
