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 NAME
POS
HT
WT
DOB
COLLEGE
4
Jerry Sloan
SG
6-5
195
March 28, 1942
University of Evansville
6
A.W. Holt
SF
6-7
210
August 26, 1946
Jackson State University
8
Bob Weiss
PG
6-3
180
May 7, 1942
Penn State
10
Bob Love
PF
6-8
215
December 8, 1942
Southern University and A&M College
14
Johnny Baum
SF
6-5
200
June 17, 1946
Peirce College, Temple
18
Tom Boerwinkle
C
7-0
265
August 23, 1945
Tennessee
21
Jim King
PG
6-2
175
February 7, 1941
Tulsa
22
Jimmy Collins
SG
6-2
175
November 24, 1946
New Mexico State
24
Matt Guokas
SG
6-5
175
February 25, 1944
Saint Joseph’s
25
Chet Walker
SF
6-7
212
February 22, 1940
Bradley
26
Shaler Halimon
SG
6-5
199
March 30, 1945
Imperial Valley College, Utah State University
31
Jim Fox
C
6-10
230
April 7, 1943
South Carolina
44
Paul Ruffner
C
6-10
225
October 15, 1948
Cerritos College, BYU
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.
