When talking about the epitome of team sports, the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s stand a cut above the rest. Whether it was the regular season, the playoffs, or championships, the team dominated for an entire decade. While a ton of credit is levied to various sources, one name has become underrated. Michael Jordan, rightfully so, deserves the majority of credit.

But, it wasn’t a solo squad that won the team 6 NBA championships in 8 years. Even though MJ was the engine, the rest of the players were just as important.

Michael Jordan, and the ’90s Bulls

For the Bulls, the explosion was incoming. After consecutive ‘almosts’ in 1989 and 1990, the team was on the cusp of greatness. The following season, they broke through. Post that, they never looked back. What followed was an unparalleled level of success.

However, while Jordan and Scottie Pippen get a ton of praise, the others don’t get their proper credit. Even though everyone knows the greatness of Phil Jackson, who was a catalyst for Jordan’s return, the playing cast is often overlooked.

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One such name was Center Bill Cartwright. Recently, the veteran spoke about the final series before Jordan’s first retirement in Sam Smith’s book, There Is No Next. “We were exhausted [at the end of 1992-93], but if you remember we had Phoenix beat in Chicago [in Game 5]. Michael had the ball and KJ took the ball from him and we were like, ‘What was that?’ We lost the game, but you know Michael… I saw him on the plane the next day and he had a cigar; he was upbeat. Maybe he wanted to lose so he could go to Phoenix to play some golf.”

Of course, the Bulls went on to win their third straight, even though there were rumors of tampering. The following year was Cartwright’s last in a  Bulls jersey. After one final year with the Seattle Supersonics, he announced his retirement. However, according to the 3-time Champion, ’94 was a missed opportunity.

To him, it would have been the easiest championship of the lot.

Bill Cartwright talks about the missed opportunity

The true mark of a winner is the need to succeed. Regardless of how many times you reach the mountain top, it is never enough. For Cartwright, it was a similar situation. Even after three straight, he wanted one more.

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Moreover, according to him, ’94 could have seen a fourth if Jordan hadn’t switched sports. “We didn’t know until [the word came out at the White Sox game] and we’re like,’ Oh shit, I guess he’s not playing.’ Yeah, we had a good year [without Jordan that first season]. Too bad Michael left, because it would have been our easiest championship… We had everybody and B.J. found himself. All those young guys were now good. That year could have been a breeze.” 

Even though the What-If remains, perhaps Bill’s statement does hold some merit. After all, Jordan’s eventual return saw Chicago rack off another three-peat. This time, with a notorious figure manning the paint.

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