Last Updated on May 24, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Chicago Bulls are most famous for legendary scorers and championship dynasties, but the franchise has also featured some exceptional passers throughout its history. From elite floor generals to versatile point-forwards, these players elevated the Bulls’ offense through vision, creativity, and unselfish play.
Michael Jordan
Position: Shooting Guard
Years with Bulls: 1984–1993, 1995–1998
Assists with Bulls: Among franchise assist leaders
Achievements
- 6-time NBA champion
- 5-time NBA MVP
- Finals MVP in all six championships
- One of the greatest all-around players ever
Although Michael Jordan is remembered primarily as a scorer, he was also a highly effective playmaker. Jordan regularly handled point guard duties during stretches of his career and demonstrated elite passing vision out of double teams and the triangle offense. His ability to create easy opportunities for teammates was a major part of Chicago’s dynasty years.
Scottie Pippen
Position: Forward
Years with Bulls: 1987–1998, 2003–2004
Assists with Bulls: One of franchise’s greatest point-forwards
Achievements
- 6-time NBA champion
- 7-time All-NBA selection
- Elite defensive and offensive versatility
- Hall of Fame player
Scottie Pippen revolutionized the role of the point-forward. He frequently initiated Chicago’s offense, pushed the ball in transition, and created scoring chances with his court vision and basketball IQ. Pippen’s passing versatility was critical to the success of the Bulls’ triangle system.
Derrick Rose
Position: Point Guard
Years with Bulls: 2008–2016
Assists with Bulls: Modern-era assist leader for franchise
Achievements
- NBA MVP
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- 3-time NBA All-Star with Bulls
- One of the most explosive guards ever
Derrick Rose combined elite athleticism with strong playmaking instincts during his prime years in Chicago. Defenses constantly collapsed on his drives, allowing him to create open shots for teammates. Rose’s ability to control tempo and attack defenses made him one of the best offensive engines in franchise history.
Kirk Hinrich
Position: Guard
Years with Bulls: 2003–2010, 2012–2016
Assists with Bulls: Among franchise all-time assist leaders
Achievements
- Strong two-way point guard
- Reliable floor leader
- Key starter during multiple playoff runs
Kirk Hinrich brought consistency, leadership, and solid decision-making to the Bulls for over a decade. He excelled at organizing offense and moving the ball efficiently while also contributing strong perimeter defense.
Ron Harper
Position: Guard
Years with Bulls: 1994–1999
Assists with Bulls: Important secondary playmaker during dynasty era
Achievements
- 5-time NBA champion with Bulls
- Versatile veteran guard
- Excellent fit in triangle offense
Ron Harper transitioned from a high-scoring guard into an intelligent facilitator during Chicago’s second three-peat era. His passing, size, and composure helped stabilize the Bulls’ offense around Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Guy Rodgers
Position: Point Guard
Years with Bulls: 1966–1970
Assists with Bulls: Early franchise assist star
Achievements
- NBA assists leader
- Elite traditional point guard
- Strong floor general during expansion era
Guy Rodgers was one of the NBA’s premier pass-first guards during the 1960s. He played a major role in the Bulls’ early years and quickly became one of the franchise’s top assist producers.
Norm Van Lier
Position: Point Guard
Years with Bulls: 1971–1978
Assists with Bulls: One of franchise assist leaders
Achievements
- 3-time NBA All-Star with Bulls
- Elite defender and passer
- Emotional leader of strong 1970s teams
Norm Van Lier combined toughness, defense, and excellent court vision. He controlled games with his passing and leadership while helping the Bulls become a competitive playoff team throughout the 1970s.
Joakim Noah
Position: Center
Years with Bulls: 2007–2016
Assists with Bulls: One of best passing big men in franchise history
Achievements
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 2-time NBA All-Star
- Elite high-post facilitator
Joakim Noah became one of the NBA’s most unique passing centers during his prime years. His ability to facilitate offense from the high post gave Chicago another creative dimension offensively, especially during Derrick Rose’s injury years.
Lonzo Ball
Position: Point Guard
Years with Bulls: 2021–Present
Assists with Bulls: Excellent modern transition playmaker
Achievements
- Elite transition passer
- Strong defensive guard
- High basketball IQ
When healthy, Lonzo Ball transformed Chicago’s pace and ball movement. His quick outlet passes and transition vision consistently generated easy scoring opportunities for teammates.
Artis Gilmore
Position: Center
Years with Bulls: 1976–1982, 1987–1988
Assists with Bulls: Skilled passing big man for his era
Achievements
- Hall of Fame center
- ABA legend
- Strong low-post facilitator
Artis Gilmore was more than just a dominant interior scorer and rebounder. He also possessed underrated passing ability from the post, helping create offense for Chicago teammates during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Honorable Mentions
- B.J. Armstrong
- John Paxson
- Toni Kukoč
- Coby White
- Reggie Theus
- Jerry Sloan
The Bulls have featured several outstanding playmakers across different eras, but Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan stand above the rest due to their all-around offensive brilliance and championship success. Meanwhile, traditional point guards like Derrick Rose, Norm Van Lier, and Kirk Hinrich helped define important periods in franchise history.