The point guard position is universally recognized as the most important position in basketball since the point guard is in charge of setting up the offense and making sure everyone is in their right spots. Teams with elite floor generals are usually the clubs that go on deep playoff runs, and this instance, we'll be ranking the best point guards in Chicago Bulls franchise history.
Even though Michael Jordan is the Bulls' all-time leader in assists, he was a two-guard who just so happened to be a phenomenal passer, so “His Airness” won't be making the list.
4. Reggie Theus
The Bulls drafted Theus with the ninth overall pick in the 1978 draft out of UNLV. During his rookie season in Chicago, Theus averaged 16.3 points and 5.2 assists in 82 games.
Theus made a big jump in his second and third season with the Bulls, making the All-Star team in his third year. Theus, who wound up playing six seasons for the Bulls, finished his Chicago career with averages of 18.8 points and 5.6 assists. He's sixth on the Bulls' all-time assists list with 2,472.
3. Kirk Hinrich
“Captain Kirk” was drafted by the Bulls with the seventh overall pick in the legendary 2003 draft which featured LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. Hinrich became a fan favorite in Chicago very quickly.
During his rookie season with the Bulls, Hinrich averaged 12.0 points and 6.8 assists. He made the All-Rookie team as well.
Hinrich's best season with the Bulls came during the 2006-07 season. He put up 16.6 points and 6.3 assists and made the All-Defensive team.
Kirk had two different stints with the Bulls. He finished his Chicago career with averages of 11.4 points and 5.1 rebounds. Hinrich is the franchise leader in 3-points field goals and third in assists.
2. Norm Van Lier
Van Lier was one of the most intense point guards in NBA history. Opposing guards always had to bring it against “Stormin' Norman,” who made eight All-Defensive teams during his career.
Van Lier's first season with the Bulls was in 1971. He averaged 12.1 points and 7.1 assists in 69 games. From 1972-1978, Van Lier put up 12.1 points and 6.8 assists for the Bulls. He finished his Chicago career with averages of 12.2 points and 6.9 assists.
Van Lier racked up 3,676 assists with the Bulls. That ranks fourth all-time in franchise history.
1. Derrick Rose
The Bulls selected Rose with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft after winning the draft lottery in magical fashion. Rose was already Chicago's favorite son for having a legendary high school career at Simeon. Now, Derrick was ready to take the NBA world by storm in his hometown.
During his rookie season with the Bulls, Rose averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists. He won the Rookie of the Year Award.
Rose scored 36 points in his playoff debut against the Boston Celtics. He also racked up 11 assists. Rose tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record for most points scored by a rookie in a playoff debut.
During his second season in the NBA, Rose averaged 20.8 points, 6.0 assists and made the All-Star team. He became the first Bulls player since Micahel Jordan to make an All-Star team.
Rose's third season in the league is one for the history books. He averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists that season, winning the MVP award. Rose was only 22. He's still the youngest player in NBA history to win an MVP.
Rose finished his Bulls career with averages of 19.7 points and 6.2 assists. He’s top 10 in franchise history in both points and assists. Derrick would have likely played his entire NBA career with the Bulls had it not been for injuries.
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