Before the Chicago Bulls became a dominant dynasty, their journey was shaped by Michael Jordan’s individual brilliance, Phil Jackson’s structured vision, and the team’s hard-fought evolution from talent to trust—proving that greatness is built long before it is realized.

Before the Chicago Bulls emerged as one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history, before Michael Jordan became synonymous with greatness, and before Phil Jackson solidified his legacy as a championship coach, the Bulls were a team in transition. The journey to their six NBA championships in the 1990s was not just about raw talent but about transformation—a combination of individual brilliance, collective growth, and the willingness to embrace structure and discipline.

This is the story of how the Bulls laid the foundation for greatness, a prequel that reminds us how preparation, trust, and providence often precede extraordinary success.

Freedom: The Rise of Michael Jordan

When Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, his electrifying athleticism and scoring ability captivated audiences. In his rookie season, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Over the next several years, under coaches like Kevin Loughery and Doug Collins, Jordan solidified himself as a singular force in basketball, even leading the league in scoring with an astonishing 37.1 points per game during the 1986–87 season.

Yet, this freedom came at a cost. The Bulls were overly dependent on Jordan’s scoring prowess, which limited the development of his teammates and made the team predictable in critical moments. Teams like the Detroit Pistons exploited this dynamic, employing aggressive defensive schemes—most notably the Jordan Rules—to neutralize Jordan and expose the Bulls’ lack of depth.

Jordan’s brilliance was undeniable, but the Bulls’ reliance on his individual dominance prevented them from achieving the collective success they needed to compete for championships.

Structure: The Arrival of Phil Jackson

The turning point came in 1989 when the Bulls hired Phil Jackson as head coach. Jackson, a former player and assistant coach, brought a fresh vision to the team. Together with assistant coach Tex Winter, Jackson introduced the Triangle Offense—a system that emphasized ball movement, spacing, and teamwork.

The Triangle Offense required Jordan to relinquish some of his control, allowing teammates like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to take on larger roles. It was not an easy transition. During the 1989–90 season, Jordan often reverted to isolation plays in critical moments, struggling to fully trust the system. But as the team pushed the Detroit Pistons to a grueling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Finals, the benefits of Jackson’s structured approach began to emerge.

The Triangle Offense was more than a strategy; it was a philosophy. It demonstrated that freedom and structure are not opposites but complements. Jordan’s individual brilliance was refined within this disciplined system, and his teammates developed the confidence to step into their roles.

Trust: The Birth of a Championship Team

By 1990, the seeds of trust and growth were bearing fruit. Scottie Pippen had emerged as a versatile star, capable of both locking down opponents defensively and contributing offensively. Horace Grant provided strength in the frontcourt, while role players like John Paxson added crucial shooting.

Jordan, too, was evolving—not just as a player but as a leader. He began to recognize the importance of relying on his teammates, embodying the qualities of a leader who elevates those around him.

The heartbreaking loss to the Pistons in the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals proved to be a blessing in disguise. It solidified the Bulls’ defensive identity, strengthened their resolve, and prepared them for the greatness to come.

Providence: Freedom Perfected by Structure

The Bulls’ story in these formative years reveals a deeper truth: freedom, when guided by structure, leads to flourishing. Jordan’s brilliance, when channeled within the Triangle Offense, became unstoppable. The team’s challenges—early playoff losses, internal struggles, and growing pains—were not obstacles but stepping stones.

This dynamic mirrors a spiritual principle found in Christian thought. Just as the Bulls learned to align their individual talents within a cohesive system, so too does God call us to perfect our gifts within the structures He provides—Scripture, community, and the Church. Freedom without direction leads to chaos; structure without freedom stifles growth. But when the two are harmonized, they lead to flourishing and greatness.

Conclusion: The Road to Glory

The pre-1990 Chicago Bulls were a team on the brink, defined by potential and preparation. These years, marked by Jordan’s rise, the introduction of Phil Jackson’s leadership, and the team’s embrace of the Triangle Offense, were essential in shaping the dynasty that would dominate the NBA in the 1990s.

As we look back on these foundational years, we are reminded that greatness is rarely spontaneous. It requires preparation, sacrifice, and a vision that transcends the moment. The Bulls’ journey to the top is a testament to the power of trust, discipline, and providence—a reminder that the road to glory is often paved with unseen but purposeful struggles.

Next in the Series: “The Pinnacle: The Rise of a Dynasty That Defined an Era”