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.
News
Caitlin Clark Sparks Outrage with ‘Like’ on Taylor Swift’s Political Post – Fans Divided, Can’t Accept the Truth
Caitlin Clark found herself at the center of controversy after liking an Instagram post supporting Kamala Harris. The Indiana Fever rookie point guard’s action stirred mixed reactions among her fans, with…
Things Are Getting Strange! Angel Reese Finds Herself in Odd ‘Dating’ Scandal!
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has been vocal about her frustration with ongoing dating rumors throughout the 2024 WNBA season. Whether she’s spotted courtside with NBA stars such…
Skip Bayless Defends Caitlin Clark Praise with ‘White Guilt’ Excuse, but Fans Aren’t Buying It
Skip Bayless, the once-controversial sports pundit, now finds himself out of the spotlight and, apparently, feeling guilty for cheering on one of college basketball’s rising stars, Caitlin…
VIDEO: Caitlin Clark Turns Up the Heat! Her Most Recent Daring Leg-Baring Pregame Outfit Has Everyone Talking
Caitlin Clark (Photo via @IndianaFever/Twitter) Caitlin Clark was grabbing online attention with her pregame outfit well before she went to the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark was going…
Caitlin Clark’s Toughest Battle Yet: On-Court Injury, Performance Slump, and Political Controversy Hit Hard
It was a tough outing for Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who struggled during the team’s 86-75 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. Clark shot just 27 percent from the field,…
Shocking Confession: Angel Reese Opens Up About the Negative Side of the WNBA – Leaves Fans Speechless
She is one of the most talented players in the WNBA, a young girl that has become a star at a young age and seems to…
End of content
No more pages to load