1998–99 Chicago Bulls season


The 1998–99 Chicago Bulls season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Basketball Association. The Bulls entered the season as the three-time defending NBA champions, having defeated the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals in six games, winning their sixth NBA championship, and completing a second three-peat in the 1990s. However, with Phil Jackson’s resignation as head coach, the departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and Michael Jordan announcing his retirement for the second time on January 13, 1999 during the latter stages of an owner-induced lockout of NBA players, it marked the end of the Bulls dynasty in the 1990s. Under new head coach Tim Floyd and free agent signing Brent Barry, the Bulls were a shell of their former selves, losing eight of their first nine games of the season. The team finished in last place in the Central Division with a 13–37 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1984. Toni Kukoč led the team in scoring with 18.8 points per game. The Bulls were just the second defending champions to miss the postseason, behind the 1969-70 Boston Celtics.
On April 10, 1999, the Bulls set an all-time NBA record low for points in the shot clock era in an 82-49 loss at the United Center to the Miami Heat. Following the season, Barry was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, Ron Harper signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Bill Wennington was released.

Offseason

NBA Draft

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
128Corey BenjaminSGOregon State
234Shammond WilliamsPGNorth Carolina
258Maceo BastonFMichigan

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Player statistics

Season

Awards and records

Transactions