The Chicago Bulls 1989–90 were driven by Michael Jordan, whose elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive production made him the centerpiece of the team. Scottie Pippen expanded his all-around role as a secondary scorer, playmaker, and perimeter defender, while Horace Grant anchored the frontcourt with rebounding and efficient interior scoring. The statistics reflect a team built around Jordan’s dominance, supported by versatile complementary contributors, strong defense, and balanced production across the starting lineup.
Team focal point on both ends. Led the league in scoring, carried the Bulls’ offense, and anchored the defense with steals and perimeter D. The offense ran through him; he was the go-to in clutch moments all season.
MVP, All-NBA 1st, All-Defensive 1st, Scoring Title
Scottie Pippen
Co-Star / Two-Way Wing
38.4
High-Medium
16.5
6.7
5.4
3.8
≈ 16.2
A two-way workhorse: handled ball, facilitated offense, stretched defense, disrupted passing lanes. His all-around contributions (rebounds, assists, steals) made him the secondary engine of the team.
All-NBA 2nd, All-Defensive 1st
Horace Grant
Starting Big (Defensive Anchor)
34.4
Medium
13.4
7.9
2.8
2.3
≈ 12.2
Provided interior toughness, rebounding and rim protection. As a dependable defensive big he helped anchor Chicago’s front court — especially valuable given Jordan and Pippen often operated on the perimeter.
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Bill Cartwright
Starting Center (Role C)
30.4
Medium-Low
11.4
6.5
2.0
1.0
≈ 10.2
Offered veteran presence, size and rim protection around the basket. His steadiness inside helped give the Bulls interior stability when front-court rotation took over, especially against bigger lineups.
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John Paxson
Role Guard / Floor-Spacer / Off-Ball PG
28.8
Medium-Low
10.0
1.5
4.1
1.1
≈ 8.3
Served as the veteran ball-handler and three-point/off-ball threat. His presence allowed primary creators more freedom, and his stability helped in late-game situations.
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Stacey King
Bench Frontcourt/Energy Big
21.7
Low
8.9
4.7
1.1
1.2
≈ 7.0
As a young big off the bench, King provided energy, rebounding and interior defense in his minutes. Useful as a change-of-pace and relief for starters.
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Craig Hodges
3-Point Specialist / Spot Shooter
16.7
Low
6.5
0.8
1.7
0.5
≈ 5.5
Offered outside shooting and floor spacing, giving the Bulls a perimeter scoring outlet beyond the stars. His shooting helped spread defenses and open lanes for others.
3-PT Contest Winner (season long pedigree)
B.J. Armstrong
Bench Guard / Secondary Ball-Mover
15.9
Low
5.6
1.3
2.5
0.7
≈ 5.0
Contributed as a backup guard: handled some playmaking duties off the bench and provided rest value for starters. Gave coach flexibility with rotations.
Will Perdue
Backup Center / Defensive-Rebounder
11.5
Low
3.8
2.8
0.6
0.5
≈ 4.3
Role-player providing interior defense and rebounding in limited minutes. Offered necessary depth in the frontcourt rotation.
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Ed Nealy
Deep Bench Reserve
10.9
Low
2.3
3.0
0.6
0.4
≈ 3.2
Minimal role; provided occasional rebounding/defensive depth when starters rested.
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Charles Davis
Minor Rotation Wing
8.1
Very Low
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.4
≈ 2.4
Very limited minutes; depth wing option mostly for garbage or mop-up minutes.
—
Clifford Lett
Marginal Bench Guard
7.0
Very Low
1.0
0.0
0.3
0.0
≈ 1.3
Very minor bench role; seldom factored into regular rotations.
—
Jeff Sanders
Deep Bench Forward
5.9
Very Low
0.9
1.3
0.3
0.1
≈ 1.3
Minimal impact; rarely used.
—
Jack Haley
Deep Bench Big
5.3
Very Low
2.3
1.6
0.4
0.1
≈ 2.2
Very limited minutes; little influence on season outcomes.
