Jerry Krause remains one of the most controversial figures in sports history. The late Chicago Bulls general manager is often seen as Michael Jordan’s antagonist during the 1990s. However, others, such as NBA legend Isiah Thomas, argue that the Bulls would have been nothing without Krause in the front office.

Krause served as the Bulls’ general manager from 1985 to 2003. He is credited with drafting Michael Jordan in 1984 and making many of the subsequent decisions that helped build the Bulls dynasty, leading to three-peat championships from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.

Many consider Krause’s contributions to the team’s success to be on par with those of Jordan and head coach Phil Jackson. However, the documentary The Last Dance, which chronicles the rise of Jordan and the Bulls, places significant blame on Krause for breaking up the dynasty that secured six championships.

Following the booing of Krause’s widow, Thelma, during the Bulls’ Ring of Honor celebration, Isiah Thomas publicly defended the executive, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 78.

The Bulls would be nothing without Krause

During an interaction with his followers on X (formerly Twitter), Thomas responded to criticism of Krause by saying, “I can argue that Jerry Krause, in basketball, was the best general manager in Chicago’s sports history, as well as in football, baseball, hockey, etc.”

The Detroit Pistons former star further credited Krause for the six titles the Bulls won under his leadership. “Here’s a bold statement: The Chicago Bulls will never win a championship without Jerry Krause. Let it be known,” Thomas emphasized.

Despite Thomas’ defense, one Twitter user reminded him that the Bulls also never won a championship without Jordan. During their star’s brief retirement in 1994 and 1995, the Bulls struggled to maintain their winning streak, even though much of the championship roster remained intact.

The bottom line

The well-documented clashes between Krause and Jordan are legendary. Once Jordan reached superstar status, he often tried to impose his will on both Jackson and Krause. However, the GM consistently countered Jordan’s demands, focusing on the greater good of the team.

While Krause made crucial decisions that led to the Bulls’ six-time championship dynasty, his later missteps also contributed to its downfall. Similarly, Jordan’s management tenure after his playing days, particularly with the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, was filled with poor decisions.

History is never a simple affair. It’s not a fantasy of heroes and villains but rather a complex web of interactions between real people with both flaws and virtues. Jordan may be the NBA GOAT, but his executive track record was far from stellar. Krause made brilliant moves, but he also made huge mistakes. Nothing is black and white.