Jordan believes Bulls ready for another title run
Michael Jordan may be owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, but he made it clear he still has a strong rooting interest in his old team.
Jordan was back at the United Center on Saturday for a reunion of the 1991 championship team, the first for the Bulls and their greatest player.
When he took the microphone at the end of the halftime ceremony, Jordan predicted another dynasty is in the making with Derrick Rose and the new Bulls.
“You guys are in store for a lot of other championships,” he told the cheering crowd. “You look at this team tonight. I'll be surprised if you don't have six more coming.”
The Bulls set a franchise record for 3-point baskets in a game, knocking down 18 in 32 attempts. After racing to an impressive 27-point halftime lead, the Bulls hung on to beat the Utah Jazz 118-100. Rose and Luol Deng scored 26 points each.
Speaking to a large crowd of reporters in the tunnel after the halftime ceremony, Jordan was asked about how it took him seven years to win his first championship, while Rose is in position to make a title run in just his third season.
“I don't think it's going to take them seven years to win. I hope not,” Jordan said. “They've got a good balanced team. Once again, I think they've got the MVP of the league. I think that kid is coming into his own; he's matured quite a bit.”
Jordan may not have been trying to compare himself to Rose. But his description of the dynamic point guard included some similarities.
“When he came into the league, everybody said he had speed and can get to the rim, but he can't shoot,” Jordan said. “Now he can shoot the 3, as well as pull-up shots. He has very few flaws. I'm pretty sure they're going to tell you he can't play defense or can't handle a double-team.
“Time will tell. The kid's a star. I think he's a great piece for this franchise to rebuild with. They've got some other pieces that help them quite a bit.”
If the Bulls can catch Boston for the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, it's possible they could end up playing Charlotte in the first round. The Bobcats are tied with Indiana for eighth place.
“I was just talking to Pax (vice president of basketball operations John Paxson) and the guys upstairs,” Jordan said. “I said, ‘Man, you guys should be the best team in the East if you play the type of basketball you've been playing.'
“Everybody's talking about Boston, everybody's talking about Miami and Orlando. They shouldn't forget about Chicago.”
The ceremony itself was basic.
It started with video highlights and a taped message from coach Phil Jackson, who was in Dallas with the Lakers on Saturday. Former Bulls broadcaster Jim Durham introduced the players, from Dennis Hopson and Cliff Levingston to Scottie Pippen and Jordan, who obviously drew the loudest cheers.
Jordan made a point of including late broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerr, saying he was as much a part of the '91 team as anybody.
The only players missing were center Bill Cartwright, who is busy as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, and guard B.J. Armstrong, who attends Bulls games often as a representative of Rose.
Jordan couldn't hide his emotion when he talked about getting a chance to reunite with his first set of championship teammates.
“Brings back a lot of great memories,” he said. “I wish we could turn the clock back. That's how I feel. But Father Time touches everybody and you've got to deal with the cards you have. I miss it.”
Players from both the Bulls and Jazz hustled out of the locker room at halftime and sat on the benches to watch the ceremony.