Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Chicago Bulls are one of the most iconic playoff franchises in NBA history, thanks largely to the dynasty years led by Michael Jordan. Across multiple eras, the Bulls have featured elite postseason scorers capable of dominating the biggest moments.

From Jordan’s historic playoff performances to the explosive scoring of Derrick Rose, Chicago’s postseason history is filled with unforgettable offensive stars.

This ranking looks at the greatest playoff scorers in Bulls history based on total postseason points, scoring averages, playoff performances, and overall postseason impact.

1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is not only the greatest playoff scorer in Chicago Bulls history — he is arguably the greatest playoff scorer in NBA history.

Jordan scored 5,987 playoff points with the Bulls, nearly double the total of the next player on the franchise list. He also averaged an astonishing 33.4 points per game in the postseason, the highest playoff scoring average in NBA history. (Land of Basketball)

His playoff résumé is filled with legendary scoring performances, including his famous 63-point game against the Boston Celtics in 1986, still one of the greatest individual playoff games ever played.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 6 NBA championships
  • 6 NBA Finals MVP awards
  • Franchise leader in playoff points
  • Highest playoff scoring average in NBA history
  • Multiple historic postseason scoring runs

Jordan owns nearly every major playoff scoring record in Bulls history.

2. Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen was the perfect co-star alongside Michael Jordan and one of the greatest playoff forwards ever.

He ranks second in Bulls playoff scoring history with 3,217 postseason points and played a major role during all six championship runs. (Land of Basketball)

Pippen’s ability to score in transition, attack the rim, and contribute as a secondary playmaker made Chicago nearly impossible to defend during the 1990s.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 6 NBA championships
  • Second in franchise playoff points
  • Elite two-way postseason player
  • One of the best playoff wing defenders ever

His versatility helped define the Bulls dynasty era.

3. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose became one of the most explosive playoff scorers in Bulls history during his MVP-era peak.

Rose averaged 23.7 playoff points per game with Chicago, the second-highest postseason scoring average in franchise history behind Michael Jordan. (Land of Basketball)

His speed, athleticism, and aggressive attacking style made him one of the most dangerous playoff guards of the early 2010s.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Youngest MVP in NBA history
  • Nearly 1,000 playoff points with Chicago
  • Elite playoff shot creator
  • Multiple dominant postseason performances

Rose scored 44 points against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2011 playoffs, one of the best postseason scoring games in Bulls history.

4. Bob Love

Bob Love was one of the Bulls’ first great playoff scorers.

He scored 1,076 playoff points for Chicago and averaged nearly 23 points per game in postseason play. (Land of Basketball)

Love’s smooth mid-range scoring and offensive consistency made him one of the franchise’s best players during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • One of the highest playoff scoring averages in Bulls history
  • Elite scorer before the Jordan era
  • Multi-time All-Star
  • One of Chicago’s original franchise stars

5. Horace Grant

Horace Grant was a highly effective playoff scorer during Chicago’s first three-peat.

Although best known for rebounding and defense, Grant consistently provided efficient interior scoring and ranked third in Bulls playoff scoring history with 1,320 points. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 3 NBA championships with Chicago
  • Strong interior playoff scorer
  • Excellent efficiency during title runs
  • Key contributor during the early 1990s dynasty years

Grant’s ability to finish around the basket helped balance the Bulls offense.

6. Toni Kukoč

Toni Kukoč became one of the most versatile playoff scorers of the Bulls’ second three-peat era.

His combination of size, shooting, and playmaking gave Chicago another offensive creator alongside Jordan and Pippen. Kukoč scored 818 playoff points with the Bulls and delivered numerous clutch postseason moments. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 3 NBA championships
  • Elite sixth man scorer
  • Excellent playoff versatility
  • Important secondary offensive option

His ability to score both inside and outside made him difficult to defend in playoff basketball.

7. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler emerged as Chicago’s primary playoff scorer during the post-Rose era.

He scored 639 playoff points with the Bulls and became known for his physical scoring style, shot creation, and ability to deliver in big moments. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • One of the best two-way playoff wings in Bulls history
  • Elite isolation scorer
  • Strong postseason efficiency
  • Major offensive leader during the mid-2010s

Butler’s playoff toughness foreshadowed the superstar postseason player he later became.

Honorable Mentions

  • Luol Deng
  • Ben Gordon
  • John Paxson
  • Chet Walker
  • Joakim Noah

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Bulls have featured some of the greatest playoff scorers the NBA has ever seen, led by Michael Jordan’s unmatched postseason dominance.

From the dynasty years of Jordan and Scottie Pippen to Derrick Rose’s explosive MVP-era runs, Chicago’s playoff history has consistently featured elite offensive talent capable of delivering unforgettable postseason moments.

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