Would The 1996 Chicago Bulls Defeat 2023 Team USA In A Seven Game Series?

The Chicago Bulls had a record of 72-10 in 1996

The 1996 Chicago Bulls were one of the best teams in NBA history, having the second-best record of all time at 72-10. This year’s Team USA basketball is expected to place at the top of the podium in the FIBA World Cup.

However, they are not headlined by the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.

Raising the question of whether the 96’ Bulls could defeat Team USA in a seven-game series.

The Bulls starting lineup consisted of Ron Harper, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, and Luc Longley. Along with Toni Kukoč as the sixth man. The USA is expected to start Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The roster also contains players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Paolo Banchero.

That year, Jordan was in his prime, winning MVP after averaging 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 49.5 percent shooting from the field. Not to mention, the 10-loss Bulls were led by one of the greatest coaches in history, Phil Jackson. They defeated the Seattle Supersonics in the Finals.

Anyone on the USA roster would greatly struggle to guard Jordan or Pippen, creating great opportunities for Chicago. They also lack a veteran presence, with Bobby Portis being their oldest member at 28.

In their first game against Puerto Rico, Team USA hit the ground running with a 117-74 victory. However, they do not have the All-Time greats Chicago had.

By no means is this young, star-studded roster a disappointment, but they would fall short to the Bulls in a seven-game series.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_