Bulls' Latest Rebuild Echoes Jordan-Krause Dynasty

New book revisits Jerry Krause's role in building the 1990s dynasty, raising questions about credit, blame and what this rebuild can learn from history.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:57pm

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As the Chicago Bulls begin another rebuild after a brutal losing streak, a new look back at Jerry Krause and Michael Jordan's dynasty highlights how the franchise rose — and fell — and what it must rediscover to matter again. Injuries, especially Lonzo Ball's in 2022, marked the turning point in the franchise's failed attempt to contend.

Why it matters

The Bulls' current struggles echo the franchise's past, with questions about credit, blame, and the challenges of rebuilding a championship-caliber team. Understanding the dynamics between key figures like Jerry Krause and Michael Jordan could provide insights for the team's current leadership as they work to restore the franchise's former glory.

The details

The Bulls snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but the victory does little to hide a roster in full rebuild mode. The team has parted ways with key players like Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Ayo Dusunmu, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso as they look to the future. The turning point was likely Lonzo Ball's knee injury in January 2022, which took over 1,000 days to heal and derailed the team's attempt to contend.

  • On January 12, 2022, Lonzo Ball suffered a knee injury against the Golden State Warriors.
  • It took over 1,000 days for Ball's injury to heal.

The players

Jerry Krause

The late general manager of the Chicago Bulls who built the 1990s dynasty team around Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan

The legendary NBA player who led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s.

Arturas Karnisovas

The current vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, overseeing the team's latest rebuild.

Lonzo Ball

The Chicago Bulls point guard whose knee injury in 2022 marked a turning point in the team's failed attempt to contend.

Lukasz Muniowski

The author of the new book "Jerry Krause and the Chicago Bulls: The Scout Who Built the Dynasty of the 1990s", which examines Krause's role in building the Bulls' championship teams.

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What they’re saying

“It's being in the middle. That is what we don't want to do.”

— Arturas Karnisovas, Vice President of Basketball Operations, Chicago Bulls

“A bad Bulls team is bad for the league.”

— Lukasz Muniowski, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.