© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
John Salley shares what it was like to be part of Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls squad
It’s funny how life can work sometimes. One day, a player can be a vital component of the team that often foiled Michael Jordan, and the next, they can be teammates. That was the case for John Salley, who went from playing against Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to playing alongside them.
Salley was a reliable big man in the NBA for 11 seasons, spending time with teams like the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. While his heyday came during his Pistons days, where he won two straight NBA titles, defeating Jordan’s Bulls along the way, his one-year stint in Chicago was just as memorable.
Joined the Bulls
Salley joined the Bulls during their historic 1995-1996 season, reconnecting with Pistons teammates Dennis Rodman and James Edwards. He was a reserve big man, averaging 2.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 11 minutes of playing time. Salley’s arrival in Chicago was timely, as he got to be part of the Bulls’ historic run to a record-breaking 72 wins and their fourth NBA title in six years.
Being part of the Bulls meant playing alongside two of the greatest players in NBA history—Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen—and he described the atmosphere surrounding the team as electric.
"It was like being with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson all at the same time," Salley said.
Bulls were well-equipped
Salley added that the Bulls’ facilities were state-of-the-art. While chasing greatness hinged on talent and teamwork, it didn’t hurt to have top-notch facilities to support their quest for another championship. From training rooms to weight rooms, the Bulls had everything they needed to stay in peak physical condition.
"The Berto Center was the first of its kind. It had a track inside, an Olympic-style weight room. It had a swimming pool," Salley said.
"It had three rooms for massage therapy. Just sign your name on the top; well, you had to sign your name because Michael and Scottie name was put there in ink," Salley added with a laugh.
