The 1970–71 Chicago Bulls relied on Bob Love as their primary scoring threat, while Chet Walker provided efficient secondary offense and veteran stability. Jerry Sloan contributed across multiple facets of the game, and Tom Boerwinkle anchored the rebounding effort. With balanced production, strong work on the glass, and capable playmaking, the statistics reflect a disciplined team that leaned on defense and collective contributions rather than a high-powered attack.
Roster
No.
Player
Pos
Height
Weight
Birth Date
Age
College
4
Jerry Sloan
G/F
6-5
195 lbs
March 28, 1942
28
Evansville
5
Matt Guokas
G
6-5
180 lbs
Feb 25, 1944
26
Saint Joseph’s
10
Clem Haskins
G
6-3
195 lbs
Aug 11, 1943
27
Western Kentucky
11
Tom Boerwinkle
C
7-0
265 lbs
Aug 23, 1945
25
Tennessee
12
John Baum
G/F
6-5
200 lbs
June 17, 1946
24
Temple
15
Bob Love
F
6-8
215 lbs
Dec 8, 1942
28
Southern University
20
Chet Walker
F
6-7
212 lbs
Feb 22, 1940
30
Bradley
21
Howard Porter
F
6-8
220 lbs
Aug 31, 1948
22
Villanova (Did not play this season)
22
Garfield Heard
F
6-6
219 lbs
May 3, 1948
22
Oklahoma
24
Jeff Congdon
G
6-3
180 lbs
July 17, 1943
27
Brigham Young
25
Nate Thurmond
C
6-11
225 lbs
July 25, 1941
29
Bowling Green
32
Jim King
G
6-2
175 lbs
Feb 7, 1941
29
Tulsa
Note: Some players like Howard Porter were drafted but did not play in the 1970-71 season.
Led the Bulls in scoring; was a go-to scorer and two-way forward, flourishing under coach Dick Motta and known for his scoring and defense during this era. Jersey retired by Bulls.
All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Star (’71), team scoring leader
Chet Walker
Secondary Scoring & Efficiency Wing
36.1
High
22.0
7.3
2.2
0.0*
15.8
Consistent scoring and efficient shooting; excellent free-throw shooter league-wide (led NBA FT%). Trusted secondary scorer throughout tenure.
All-Star
Jerry Sloan
Defensive/Secondary Scorer
39.3
Medium-High
18.3
8.8
3.5
0.0*
15.3
Tough, defensive guard known for rebounding and grit; one of the league’s premier defenders, contributed significantly on both ends.
NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
Tom Boerwinkle
Facilitator/Screen Setter
28.9
Medium
10.8
13.8
4.8
0.0*
14.7
Center who anchored rebounding and playmaking; key passer out of high post and set screens, facilitating offense for frontcourt scorers.
—
Bob Weiss
Playmaking Guard
27.3
Medium
9.5
2.3
4.7
0.0*
8.2
Served as primary floor general at times with solid assist production; steady rotation guard balancing scoring/playmaking.
—
Jim Fox
Back-Up Big / Role Rebounder
19.9
Low-Medium
9.7
7.3
2.4
0.0*
9.7
Provided size and rebounding off the bench; secondary scoring threat in limited minutes with reliable hustle plays.
—
Matt Guokas
Role 3-and-Pass Wing
28.3
Low
6.6
2.0
4.4
0.0*
6.5
Spot minutes for shooting and ball movement; complimentary scorer and passer in role minutes.
—
Jim King
Backup Lead Guard
11.7
Low
4.8
1.2
1.4
0.0*
3.7
Bench PG with limited minutes; provided relief ball-handling and occasional scoring.
—
Johnny Baum
Limited Rotation Wing
8.8
Low
4.6
2.0
0.5
0.0*
3.6
Spot minutes; secondary role with limited usage and contributions.
—
Jimmy Collins
Bench Wing
8.7
Low
4.0
1.0
1.1
0.0*
3.0
Very limited rotation; small scoring and hustle role.
—
Shaler Halimon
Short Sample Role
11.5
Low
1.0
1.0
2.0
0.0*
2.0
Appeared in only two games; small sample makes role undefined.
