Research from NBC Sports Chicago’s Kevin Anderson initially reported the Chicago Bulls would not have a rostered player included in 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend events, something the team hasn’t experienced since 1980. However, Bulls rookie big man Adama Sanogo was selected on Wednesday as an injury replacement for the NBA G League Up Next Game.
Bulls NBA All-Star Weekend legacy secured, according to Anderson.
With recent scrutiny focused on Chicago’s lack of representation during the slate of events, let’s reflect on the more positive Bulls’ All-Star Weekend highlights over the last five decades.
The 1980s
The Dunk Contest was implemented as a permanent NBA All-Star Weekend event in 1984. Bulls small-forward Orlando Woolridge participated and delivered what’s considered to be the first between-the-legs slam dunk in NBA history.
Michael Jordan’s legendary Bulls career received immediate NBA All-Star recognition via his selection as a rookie starter on the 1985 NBA Eastern Conference Team. Jordan proceeded to deliver iconic back-to-back NBA Dunk Contest wins in 1987 and 1988, the latter including his legendary duel with Dominque Wilkins.
For good measure, Jordan earned 1988 NBA All-Star Game MVP honors with an astounding stat line of 40 points (with no three-point attempts), four blocks, four steals, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Bulls’ Hall of Fame forward Scottie Pippen received his first starter selection to the NBA All-Star Game in 1992 and won the 1994 NBA All-Star Game MVP award. Jordan also earned two more NBA All-Star Game MVP awards in 1996 and 1998 during the Bulls’ second three-peat era.
The 2000s
Despite the lean years following the end of the 1990s Bulls dynasty, the team still maintained a presence at NBA All-Star Weekend due to the franchise’s emphasis on roster-building through the NBA Draft. Rookie No. 1 draft pick Elton Brand won the 2000 NBA Rising Stars Game MVP award . Later in the decade, rookies Luol Deng and Ben Gordon combined for 30 points in the 2005 NBA Rising Stars Game. Derrick Rose won the 2009 NBA Skills Challenge to close out the decade.
