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Lots of folks don't realize that the triangle offense that Jackson installed in Chicago was built around Pippen and not Jordan.
Phil knew Jordan was going to do fine regardless of what system they used. However Pippen had some very unique skills (slashing to the basket, he was too tall for the shorter quicker guards and too quick for the taller ponderous big men inside). Thus, Jackson put together the triangle offense to allow Pippen the ultimate pick and roll offense to give him unfettered opportunities to come of screens and either roll to the basket or set up shots. That forced teams to either pay more attention to Pippen driving the lane or to Jordan who could kill them 6 different ways.
Then there was B.J. Armstrong or Steve Kerr on the outside, the 3rd wedge of the triangle. But in truth, it all hinged on Pippen driving and forcing teams to collapse. Things got REALLY interesting though when the peacock showed up and cleaned up the trash off the boards. Rodman couldn't shoot for ****, but he could play defense and he rebounded like his life (and his contract) depended on it. Much of that was because nobody really guarded him so he was often free to get into good position to board, but still the guy was stupid gifted at getting into position and fighting for boards.
There will likely never be another basketball dynasty like the Bulls. It wasn't just Jordan.
Phil knew Jordan was going to do fine regardless of what system they used. However Pippen had some very unique skills (slashing to the basket, he was too tall for the shorter quicker guards and too quick for the taller ponderous big men inside). Thus, Jackson put together the triangle offense to allow Pippen the ultimate pick and roll offense to give him unfettered opportunities to come of screens and either roll to the basket or set up shots. That forced teams to either pay more attention to Pippen driving the lane or to Jordan who could kill them 6 different ways.
Then there was B.J. Armstrong or Steve Kerr on the outside, the 3rd wedge of the triangle. But in truth, it all hinged on Pippen driving and forcing teams to collapse. Things got REALLY interesting though when the peacock showed up and cleaned up the trash off the boards. Rodman couldn't shoot for ****, but he could play defense and he rebounded like his life (and his contract) depended on it. Much of that was because nobody really guarded him so he was often free to get into good position to board, but still the guy was stupid gifted at getting into position and fighting for boards.
There will likely never be another basketball dynasty like the Bulls. It wasn't just Jordan.
