1999–2000 Chicago Bulls season

Sports season March 2026 August 2023 Chicago Bulls 2000 17 65 Central 8 15 Tim Floyd Jerry Krause Jerry Reinsdorf United Center Did not qualify CHI Fox Sports Net Chicago WGN WCIU WMVP The 1999–2000 Chicago Bulls season was the 34th season for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association. Chicago Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season The Bulls won the NBA draft lottery, and selected power forward Elton Brand out of Duke University with the first overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft; the team also selected small forward Ron Artest out of St. John's University with the 16th overall pick. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Safety First: The Bulls Make Brand the Top Pick The New York Times July 1, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/01/sports/pro-basketball-safety-first-the-bulls-make-brand-the-top-pick.html November 27, 2022 Heisler Mark Dukies Are Way Up Los Angeles Times July 1, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-01-sp-52079-story.html June 4, 2023 1999 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1999.html December 1, 2022 During the off-season, the team acquired Hersey Hawkins from the Seattle SuperSonics, Nelson Glenn Sonics: Hawkins and Cotton Traded for Brent Barry; Deal with Chicago Also Nets "Cap" Space The Seattle Times August 12, 1999 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19990812&slug=2976898 July 3, 2023 Associated Press N.B.A.: Notebook The New York Times August 13, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/13/sports/nba-notebook.html June 27, 2022 Smith Sam Bulls Get Some Cap Room Chicago Tribune August 13, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-08-13-9908130096-story.html January 9, 2023 acquired Australian center Chris Anstey from the Dallas Mavericks, Staff Reports Bulls Get 7-Footer Anstey From Mavericks Chicago Tribune September 30, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-09-30-9909300158-story.html May 7, 2026 signed free agent Fred Hoiberg, Merkin Scott Bulls Fans Appreciate Brand, Artest, But Not for Voices Chicago Tribune October 18, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-10-18-9910180114-story.html November 26, 2022 and re-signed former Bulls guard B. J. Armstrong, and former Bulls center Will Perdue, who both won three NBA championships from the team's first three-peat in the early 1990s. Associated Press Plus: Pro Basketball -- Chicago: Bulls Re-Sign B. J. Armstrong The New York Times August 31, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/31/sports/plus-pro-basketball-chicago-bulls-re-sign-b-j-armstrong.html August 15, 2024 Smith Sam Bulls Just Being Prudent by Signing Recycled Products Chicago Tribune September 2, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-09-02-9909020141-story.html November 16, 2022 Wise Mike 1999–2000 N.B.A. Preview: The West Is Still the Best The New York Times October 31, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/31/sports/1999-2000-nba-preview-the-west-is-still-the-best.html January 13, 2022 Regular season Despite the addition of Brand, Artest and Hawkins, the Bulls continued to struggle as the team lost 26 of their first 28 games of the regular season, posting 10 and 11-game losing streaks respectively. As the season progressed, the team signed free agent Chris Carr, who was previously released by the Golden State Warriors, Mitchell Fred NBA Road Has Been Bumpy, But Carr Still Driven Chicago Tribune January 22, 2000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-01-22-0001220033-story.html December 15, 2022 and also signed three-point specialist Matt Maloney. Bulls Sign Maloney United Press International January 7, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/01/07/Bulls-sign-Mahoney/7605947221200/ October 17, 2022 The Bulls held a 10–37 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 10, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=10&year=2000 February 25, 2026 At mid-season, the team traded Toni Kukoč to the Philadelphia 76ers, and acquired John Starks from the Warriors in a three-team trade. Wise Mike Basketball: 76ers Acquire Kukoc in 3-Team Trade The New York Times February 17, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/17/sports/basketball-76ers-acquire-kukoc-in-3-team-trade.html August 12, 2021 Associated Press Bulls Trade Kukoc to 76ers Los Angeles Times February 17, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-feb-17-sp-65177-story.html September 12, 2022 Bayless Skip With a Little Luck, Krause's Latest Could Pan Out Chicago Tribune February 17, 2000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-02-17-0002170140-story.html December 15, 2022 However, after just four games with the Bulls, Starks was released to free agency. Smith Sam Bulls Wave Bye-Bye to Starks Chicago Tribune March 22, 2000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-03-22-0003220023-story.html September 15, 2022 The Bulls finished in last place in the Central Division with a 17–65 record. 1999–2000 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2000_games.html July 15, 2021 Brand averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, and was also named the co-NBA Rookie of the Year along with Steve Francis of the Houston Rockets. Associated Press Brand, Francis Share Rookie-of-Year Award Los Angeles Times May 12, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-12-sp-29231-story.html July 28, 2017 Brand, Francis Share Top Rookie Honor United Press International May 11, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/05/11/Brand-Francis-share-top-rookie-honor/8602958017600/ November 17, 2022 NBA & ABA Rookie of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/roy.html November 29, 2022 In addition, Artest averaged 12.0 points and 1.7 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, while Carr contributed 9.8 points per game in 50 games, Hoiberg provided with 9.0 points and 1.3 steals per game, but only played just 31 games due to a knee injury, Smith Sam Artest's Showing Is Nothing Artistic Chicago Tribune December 19, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-12-19-9912190217-story.html November 26, 2022 and Hawkins contributed 7.9 points per game. Meanwhile, Armstrong averaged 7.4 points and 2.9 assists per game, but only played just 27 games, Randy Brown provided with 6.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, and Maloney contributed 6.4 points per game. On the defensive side, Anstey averaged 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Dickey Simpkins averaged 4.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Perdue provided with 3.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, but only shot .351 in field-goal percentage, and rookie power forward, and second-round draft pick Michael Ruffin contributed 2.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. 1999–2000 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2000.html July 15, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at The Arena in Oakland in Oakland, California, Brand was selected for the NBA Rookie Challenge Game, as a member of the Rookies team. Sports Scoreboard Times-Union February 12, 2000 3B https://books.google.com/books?id=7bI_AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA11&dq=2000+NBA+2+ball+steve+francis&article_id=6195,2369314&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji0aWep_CPAxVo4skDHSp2FjcQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=2000%20NBA%202%20ball%20steve%20francis&f=false September 23, 2025 2000 NBA Rising Stars: Rookies 92, Sophomores 83 (OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000_rookie.html September 23, 2025 Brand scored 16 points along with 21 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, and was named the Rookie Challenge Game's Most Valuable Player, as the Rookies defeated the Sophomores team in overtime, 92–83. Smith Sam Brand Leads Rookies to Win, Captures MVP Honor Chicago Tribune February 13, 2000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-02-13-0002130285-story.html November 26, 2022NBA.com Staff 2000 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2000 July 2, 2025 Despite a stellar rookie season, Artest was not selected for the Rookie Challenge Game. The Bulls led the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 907,064 at the United Center during the regular season. 1999–2000 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2000.html October 9, 2025 Aftermath Following the season, Hawkins re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Charlotte Hornets, Hawkins Goes Back to Charlotte United Press International September 21, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/09/21/Hawkins-goes-back-to-Charlotte/2407969508800/ June 27, 2022 Tribune News Services Hornets Welcome the Return of Hawkins Chicago Tribune September 22, 2000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/09/22/hornets-welcome-the-return-of-hawkins/ October 25, 2024 while Brown signed with the Boston Celtics, Celtics Sign Free Agent Randy Brown United Press International August 3, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/08/03/Celtics-sign-free-agent-Randy-Brown/5629965275200/ September 16, 2022 Maloney signed with the Atlanta Hawks, and Carr, Armstrong, Simpkins, Anstey and Perdue were all released to free agency. Offseason Draft 1999 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 1 Elton Brand PF United States Duke 1 16 Ron Artest SF/SG United States St. John's 2 32 Michael Ruffin PF United States Tulsa 2 49 Lari Ketner C United States Massachusetts Roster Chicago Bulls 1999–2000 22 Chris Anstey C 7 0 249 1975–01–01 Australia 11 B. J. Armstrong G 6 2 175 1967–09–09 Iowa 15 Ron Artest Metta World Peace G/F 6 6 260 1979–11–13 St. John's yes 25 Corey Benjamin G/F 6 6 200 1978–02–24 Oregon State yes 42 Elton Brand F/C 6 8 275 1979–03–11 Duke 1 Randy Brown basketball G 6 2 190 1968–05–22 New Mexico State 43 Chris Carr basketball G/F 6 5 207 1974–03–12 Southern Illinois 3 Hersey Hawkins G 6 3 190 1966–09–29 Bradley 20 Fred Hoiberg G/F 6 4 203 1972–10–15 Iowa State 12 Matt Maloney G 6 3 192 1971–12–06 Penn 32 Will Perdue C 7 0 240 1965–08–29 Vanderbilt 51 Michael Ruffin F 6 9 246 1971–01–21 Tulsa 8 Dickey Simpkins F/C 6 9 248 1972–04–06 Providence Tim Floyd Bill Berry Bill Cartwright Phil Johnson Fred Tedeschi (trainer) https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2000.html February 18, 2000 Roster notes Point guard Khalid Reeves was waived on January 4, 2000. Shooting guard John Starks was waived on March 21, 2000. Regular season Season standings CHI CHI Player statistics Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brand, Elton. Elton Brand 81 80 37.0 .482 .000 .685 10.0 1.9 0.8 1.6 20.1 Kukoč, Toni Toni Kukoč 24 23 36.2 .381 .231 .761 5.4 5.2 1.8 0.8 18.0 Artest, Ron Ron Artest 72 62 31.1 .407 .314 .674 4.3 2.8 1.7 0.5 12.0 Carr, Chris Chris Carr 50 2 21.8 .400 .333 .858 3.2 1.6 0.6 0.3 9.8 LaRue, Rusty Rusty LaRue 4 1 32.3 .349 .143 .714 3.5 2.7 1.3 0.1 9.3 Hoiberg, Fred Fred Hoiberg 31 11 27.3 .387 .340 .908 3.5 2.7 1.3 0.1 9.0 Hawkins, Hersey Hersey Hawkins 61 49 26.6 .424 .390 .899 2.9 2.2 1.2 0.2 7.9 Benjamin, Corey Corey Benjamin 48 10 18.0 .414 .340 .598 1.8 1.1 0.6 0.5 7.7 Willoughby, Dedric Dedric Willoughby 25 1 20.3 .341 .296 .765 2.0 2.6 0.9 0.1 7.6Starks, John John Starks 4 0 20.5 .324 .300 1.000 2.5 2.8 1.3 0.3 7.5Armstrong, B. J. B. J. Armstrong 27 18 21.6 .446 .448 .880 1.7 2.9 0.3 0.0 7.4Kornél Dávid26517.0.426.000.8082.80.60.50.16.5Randy Brown595527.5.361.500.7382.43.41.00.36.4Matt Maloney511223.0.358.356.8221.32.70.60.16.4Chris Anstey731113.8.442.167.7893.80.90.40.36.0Dickey Simpkins694823.9.405.000.5425.41.40.30.34.2Khalid Reeves3016.0.250.0001.0001.34.30.70.03.7 Perdue, Will Will Perdue 67 15 15.1 .351 .000 .476 3.9 1.0 0.2 0.6 3.5Michael Ruffin71613.7.420.000.4893.50.60.40.42.2Lari Kenter606.8.400.0001.0001.20.20.20.21.7 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Elton Brand, NBA Rookie of the Year Award (shared with Steve Francis) Elton Brand, NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team Ron Artest, NBA All-Rookie Team 2nd Team Transactions Free agents AdditionsPlayerDate signedFormer teamRon ArtestJuly 15St. John's (16th pick)Elton BrandJuly 26Duke (1st overall pick)Michael RuffinAugust 24Tulsa (32nd overall pick)Will PerdueAugust 25San Antonio SpursCory CarrTexas Tech (selected 49th in 1998)Brett Robisch unknownLari KetnerMassachusetts Amherst (49th overall pick) Player Transactions Citation:1999–2000 Chicago Bulls Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2000_transactions.html July 25, 2021 References External links Category:Chicago Bulls seasons Chicago Chicago Chicago Category:1999 in Chicago Category:2000 in Chicago