Detlef Schrempf said the Chicago Bulls were nearly unbeatable in the 90s

"You had to have a pretty good day to beat 'em."

© Anne Ryan-USA TODAY

Detlef Schrempf was an incredible and versatile power forward who played a key role in those outstanding Seattle Supersonics squads that Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp led. A three-time All-Star, a two-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner, and a one-time All-NBA team member, the man nicknamed “The Grand Teuton” was one of the most skilled and reliable bench players in the NBA during his time.

But despite all his success with the Sonics, Schrempf faced one huge obstacle: the Chicago Bulls. During the 90s, when Michael Jordan and the Bulls were at their peak, Schrempf and his team were often deemed underdogs whenever they faced off against them. And while they did manage to put up a fight, it was clear that beating the Bulls was no easy feat.

Spectacular Sonics squad

The Sonics were a formidable team during the 1995-1996 season. They won an astounding 64 games and were the top seed in the Western Conference. Schrempf was Seattle’s third-leading scorer that season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Unfortunately for the Sonics, the Bulls were on an unstoppable roll that season, winning a then-record 72 games.

“Obviously, they won 72 games. We thought we were pretty good. I think we [the Sonics] won 67 games. And they set the record at the time,” Schrempf said.

Schrempf added at that point, the Bulls’ opponents practically went into matches just wanting not to get embarrassed.

“Teams didn't expect to win. Like, 'Let's just see what we got.' That's what the Bulls were for a long time.”

In 1996, the Chicago Bulls won 72 games.
Their record vs. Expansion teams was 5-1 (.833% win percentage).

Had expansion never occurred, the Bulls instead would have played 6 extra games against the Hawks, Celtics, Cavs, Pistons, Bucks and Nets.

Their record vs those teams?… pic.twitter.com/9jOHLi9P2L

— The NBA Realist (@nbarealist23) June 2, 2023

Bulls did a lot of things right

Jordan did Jordan things on a nightly basis, but according to Schrempf, Chicago also did a lot of things right. The devil is in the details, for Schrempf.

“They play good defense. Offensively, they were solid. They were playing physical, as well as rebounders. So, they did a lot of things right. As an average team, you had to have a pretty good day to beat 'em,” Schrempf shared.

“It's those things. That's why you make the dynasty. That's why you win specifically not just one year but many years.”

Almost 30 years apart but always great catching up at #NBAAllStar @GaryPayton @sk40_reignman pic.twitter.com/qNbwvLOZK9

— Detlef Schrempf (@Dschrempf) February 19, 2024

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