The Chicago Bulls 1980–81 featured a balanced attack built around Reggie Theus and Artis Gilmore, with Theus providing the primary perimeter scoring and playmaking while Gilmore anchored the interior through efficient scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. David Greenwood added consistent frontcourt production, giving the team another reliable rebounder and scorer. The statistics reflect a roster that relied on its strong inside-outside core, with meaningful contributions across the starting lineup rather than from a single dominant offensive option.
Gilmore was the defensive backbone and rebounding engine — leading the team in both boards and blocks (per season totals, he had 835 rebounds and 221 blocks). His scoring around the rim kept the Bulls viable on offense in many games.
All‑Star (1982)
Reggie Theus
Lead‑Guard / Offensive Catalyst
34.4
High
18.9
3.5
5.2
1.7
14.65
Theus carried much of the playmaking and scoring load; his assist totals (476 as a team total) made him the primary creator on this roster. He also added perimeter defense (steals) and occasional scoring bursts.
All‑Star (1982)
Dave Greenwood
Two‑Way Forward
33.0
Medium‑High
14.4
8.8
2.7
1.8
13.85
Greenwood provided inside presence beyond Gilmore — solid rebounding and mid-range scoring. He was the team’s secondary defensive rebounder and often helped steady the front‑court when Gilmore needed rest.
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Larry Kenon
3‑and‑D Wing / Secondary Scorer
28.1
Medium
14.1
5.2
1.6
1.2
11.05
Kenon offered scoring punch and length on the wing. As a forward with ability to slash and rebound, he gave spacing and versatility — useful when defenses collapsed on Gilmore or Theus.
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Ricky Sobers
Combo Guard / Secondary Playmaker
25.4
Medium
13.5
2.0
4.0
1.6
10.55
Sobers backed up Theus — offering ball‑handling, secondary playmaking, and three‑point range (rare at the time). He added defensive activity and a scoring option off the bench or in rotation.
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Bob Wilkerson
3‑and‑D Guard/Forward‑Hybrid
28.0
Medium‑Low
10.0
3.5
3.4
1.6
9.25
Wilkerson brought hustle, defense, and modest offense. His ability to contribute in multiple facets — scoring, defense, passing — added depth and balance to the rotation.
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Dwight Jones
Backup Big / Energy Front‑Court
19.4
Low‑Medium
7.6
5.0
1.2
0.9
7.35
Jones gave relief minutes for Gilmore — bringing rebounding and physicality. He helped anchor the second unit front‑court and maintain interior presence.
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Coby Dietrick
Reserve Big / Role Player
15.2
Low
4.5
3.2
1.4
1.2
5.15
Dietrick served a limited rotation role, providing size and depth on the bench. His minutes were modest, but he offered occasional rebounding and interior defense.
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Sam Worthen
Reserve Guard / Spot Minutes
14.8
Low
3.7
1.8
1.8
1.0
4.05
Spot‑minutes guard, likely used for energy, defense or ball‑handling relief. Minimal impact overall.
–
Scott May
Bench Wing / Low‑Usage Role
12.9
Low
7.0
2.5
1.0
0.7
5.60
Provided occasional scoring bursts off the bench, but limited minutes meant his overall impact was modest.
–
James Wilkes
Deep Bench Role
11.3
Low
4.1
2.0
0.6
0.8
4.25
Minimal role — likely garbage‑time or situational appearances.
–
Ronnie Lester
Emergency/Injury‑Depth Guard
10.4
Low
3.8
0.8
0.9
0.2
3.45
Very limited sample (8 games). Probably used as short-term backup or in injury situations.
–
Ollie Mack
Extremely Limited Minutes
5.3
Very Low
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
2.30
Essentially a fringe rotation player with negligible impact. Stats suggest very limited use.
