The top ten most underrated Michael Jordan teammates

Michael Jordan's teammates are often shrouded in his legendary aura, especially Scottie Pippen, although he is a top 30-level superstar in history, his comprehensive contribution is still partially underestimated.

In addition to Pippen, there are many key role players in the Bulls' dynasty. The value of the players is seriously ignored by the public discussion. Here is the list of the top ten most underrated Jordan teammates, focusing on players who played far beyond their popularity or evaluated at the time during the Jordan era (especially during the Bulls dynasty):

1, Hores Grant - (The Bulls' first three-game winning streak)

Underrated reason: Pippen and Rodman were too famous, covering up his core role in the first three-game winning streak. The data is not considered explosive (average double-double edge).

Real contribution: "Cobra" is the undisputed inside pillar and third giant for the Bulls' first three consecutive championships. He provides stable scoring (efficient basket and mid-range), strong rebounds (especially defensive rebounds), reliable defense (single defense and assisted defense), and underestimated high-level response capabilities. His mobility is perfectly in line with the triangular offensive system of the "Zen Master" and is a key hub connecting the internal and external lines. His departure was a huge loss to the Bulls inside.

2. BJ Armstrong - (The Bulls' first three consecutive championships, starting point guard in the late stage)

Reason for being underestimated: Being behind John Paxson, he is short and has poor data, and is regarded as a system player.

Real contribution: He was one of the most stable and smartest point guards of the 1990s. It has accurate mid-range jump shots ("Central Football King"), extremely low turnover rate, excellent field vision and rhythm control. In the triangle offense, he perfectly played the role of "passing the ball safely through the half, finding Jordan/Pippen, and making a jump shot in the open position." His defense is also quite solid. He was well deserved to be selected as an All-Star in 1993 and was the Bulls' first important starter in the late stage of three consecutive championships.

3, Bill Carterwright - (The Bulls' first three consecutive championships)

Underestimated reason: I was questioned when I exchanged Charles Oakley, the fans' favorite, for him, and I moved slowly and had limited scoring ability.

Real contribution: He was the Dinghai Shen Needle and Spiritual Leader in the locker room during the Bulls' first three consecutive championships. While the numbers are inconspicuous, he provides the Bulls much-needed interior height, solid under-the-rack defense, tough cover quality and valuable playoff experience. His low post defense and top defense against the opponent's tall centers (such as Ewing) are crucial. More importantly, he has a calm personality, helped manage the locker room, and balanced Jordan's strength.

4. John Paxson - (The Bulls' first three consecutive championships)

Underestimated reason: White shooter has mediocre athletic ability, and defense is a shortcoming.

Real contribution: The key gentleman in cold blood! He was Jordan's most trusted outside shooter in the early days. In the 1993 Finals G6, he received a pass from Grant to hit a winning three-pointer in the left corner, bringing the Bulls the first three-game championship. He can always find open spaces in the triangle offense and punish opponents with precise shots. He has a very high basketball IQ and rarely makes mistakes. He is a perfect team guard.

5. Steve Cole - (The Bulls' second three-game winning streak)

Underestimated Reason: He is considered a pure shooter, with limited defensive ability and a thin figure.

Real contribution: Historical scorer + big heart player. Although defense is a weakness, his value on the offensive end is immeasurable. His off-ball run and catch-and-shooting ability are the perfect addition to the triangular offensive space. In the 1997 finals G6, he received Jordan's pass and made a winning jump shot, locking in the fifth championship. He is not only a sharpshooter, but also a binder in the locker room. He has a very high ball quotient and is deeply trusted by the "Zen Master".

6. Ron Harper - (The Bulls' second three-game winning streak)

Underestimated Reason: When joining the Bulls, he had transformed from a star scorer in the Clippers period to a role player. The data has dropped sharply (especially scored), and is often mistaken for just a defensive engineer.

Real contribution: Outside defense gate and panacea. Harper is the core of the Bulls' second three-game winning streak. With his height, experience and ball quotient, he can defend from No. 1 to No. 3 and is an important candidate to mark the opponent's outside arrows (such as Payton and Stockton). He also provides a certain amount of organization, ball possession and occasional scoring, making it the perfect champion puzzle. His transformation and sacrifice are crucial to the Bulls’ success.

7, Luke Longley - (The Bulls' second three-game winning streak)

Underestimated Reason: The slow-moving white high center has mediocre data and is often considered the weakest link in the system.

Real contributions: Inside barriers and efficient terminators. Longley offers the authentic five-sized height and body size that the Bulls much needed. His pick-and-roll quality is extremely high, his finishing efficiency is good at the basket (thanks to Jordan/Pippen's feeding), he can squat the squat, protect the rebounds, and use his height to interfere with his opponents. He completed the task of a blue-collar center in the triangle offense and was an indispensable partner around Rodman.

8, Bill Winnington - (The Bulls' second three-game winning streak, substitute center)

Underestimated reason: Pure substitute, limited playing time.

Real contribution: reliable backup barrier and locker room pistachio. As a substitute for Longley, he always provides solid defense, tough rebounds and efficient basket scoring in limited playing time (“Bill Winnington Dunk” was a home scene at the time). His professional attitude and ability to regulate his locker room atmosphere (a famous member of the "Breakfast Club") have contributed positively to the team's chemistry. He is a trustworthy alternative when Longley is plagued by a foul or needs a break.

9, Judd Butcher - (The Bulls' second three-game winning streak)

Underestimated Reason: A typical "tramp" character player has passed his peak when he joined the Bulls, and his data is inconspicuous.

Real contribution: the underrated "3D" forward. Butcher offers two things the Bulls need during limited playing time (mainly in the regular season and certain rotation moments): tough perimeter defense (which can defend multiple positions) and a stable bottom corner three-pointer. His experience and plug-and-play characteristics are valuable in long seasons and specific counterpoints.

10, Craig Hodges - (The Bulls' first three-game championship in the early stage)

Underestimated Reason: He was remembered mainly as a shooter (three-time three-point contest champion), his defense was average, and he was replaced by Paxson in the later stage.

Real contribution: Elite level sharpshooter. In the early days of Jordan, Hodges was one of the team's deadliest outside fire. His off-ball run and quick shots opened up space for Jordan and Pippen’s breakthroughs. Although defense is a shortcoming, his pure three-point threat was very precious in the league at that time and was an important offensive puzzle for the Bulls' early success.