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Time Magazine
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time Magazine
The 10 Greatest Sports Teams in History According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Sports teams are often remembered not just for their championships but for their sheer dominance, the way they played, and the legacy they left behind. Some teams have achieved greatness by breaking records, while others have achieved iconic status because of their sustained excellence and ability to overcome challenges. The "greatest teams" in history are not only defined by their victories but also by how they influenced their respective sports and the culture surrounding them. Advances in artificial intelligence and sports analytics allow for an objective evaluation of team performance, taking into account key metrics, player contributions, and overall impact. Using this data, we can assess what made these 10 sports teams stand out as the best of all time, from their strategic brilliance to their historical significance. Here are the 10 greatest sports teams in history, compiled with research assistance from ChatGPT. They were selected based on their unprecedented achievements, sustained excellence, and legacy. Of course, sports fans have been known to disagree, and any such list is partially subjective. The Greatest Sports Teams 1. The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (NBA) The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, are widely regarded as the greatest basketball team of all time. With a record of 72-10, they set an NBA record at the time for the most regular-season wins, a record that stood for over two decades. Their roster included legendary players like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, who contributed to their offensive and defensive prowess. The Bulls went on to win the NBA Championship, cementing their place in history with their combination of skill, teamwork, and leadership under coach Phil Jackson. Additional Insights: Championship Success: The team captured the NBA title with ease, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Finals. Dominant Defense: Led by Pippen and Rodman, the Bulls were one of the most defensively dominant teams in NBA history. All-Star Players: Michael Jordan's leadership, along with contributions from Pippen and Rodman, made them nearly unstoppable. Phil Jackson's Coaching: Jackson's "triangle offense" helped the Bulls thrive offensively while maintaining strong defense. Cultural Impact: The team's success helped elevate the NBA's global profile, making it more popular worldwide. 2. The 2007-08 New England Patriots (NFL) The 2007-08 New England Patriots finished their regular season with a perfect 16-0 record, one of the few teams in NFL history to go undefeated in the regular season. Led by quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots had one of the most high-powered offenses the NFL had ever seen. The team's combination of precision, adaptability, and unrelenting consistency made them a formidable force, though they fell just short of a perfect season, losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. Despite the loss, the team's dominance during the regular season set a new standard for excellence in the NFL. Additional Insights: Record-Breaking Offense: With Tom Brady's leadership and Randy Moss as a key receiver, they set numerous offensive records. Defensive Excellence: The team had a balanced defense, crucial to their undefeated season. Bill Belichick's Strategy: Belichick's tactical brilliance was key to their success in regular-season games. Historic Super Bowl Loss: Despite the perfect regular season, they lost in a heartbreaking Super Bowl to the New York Giants. Legacy of Dominance: The team set a new benchmark for future NFL teams in terms of regular-season performance. 3. The 1998 New York Yankees (MLB) The 1998 New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball, finishing with a 114-48 record, the best in the league that season. Managed by Joe Torre, the team included Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams. The Yankees' combination of elite pitching and offense, coupled with exceptional defense, helped them sweep the San Diego Padres in the World Series. Their dominance extended throughout the season and into the postseason, with the team's resilience and consistency making them an enduring symbol of baseball excellence. Additional Insights: World Series Champions: They won the World Series by sweeping the San Diego Padres, showcasing their dominance. Strong Core Players: The team's core, including Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, was crucial to their success. Pitching Mastery: With pitchers like David Cone and Andy Pettitte, their rotation was one of the best in the league. Joe Torre's Leadership: Torre's leadership and ability to manage the team's talent led to their consistent success. Cultural Icon: The 1998 Yankees remain one of the most iconic teams in baseball history. 4. The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, achieved a historic comeback to win the NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling seven-game series. The Cavs became the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. LeBron's performance in the Finals, including his iconic block on Andre Iguodala, became legendary. This victory not only secured LeBron James' legacy as one of the greatest players of all time but also ended Cleveland's 52-year championship drought. Additional Insights: LeBron James' Legacy: LeBron's leadership and performance in the Finals cemented his status as one of the best in NBA history. Game 7 Performance: LeBron's triple-double in Game 7 helped secure the win against the Warriors. Defensive Prowess: LeBron's block on Andre Iguodala in the final minutes of Game 7 became an iconic moment. First Championship for Cleveland: This victory ended Cleveland's 52-year sports championship drought. Golden State Rivalry: The Cavs' victory over the Warriors marked a significant chapter in one of the most memorable rivalries in NBA history. 5. The 1985-86 Boston Celtics (NBA) The 1985-86 Boston Celtics are regarded by many as the best NBA team of all time, finishing with a 67-15 record. Led by Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, this team was known for its unselfish ball movement, tough defense, and elite scoring ability. The Celtics went on to win the NBA Championship, defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals. This team's balance, depth, and basketball IQ were unmatched, making them the model of excellence in the NBA during the 1980s. Additional Insights: Larry Bird's Leadership: Bird was the focal point of the team, combining scoring, passing, and leadership. Defensive Strength: The Celtics were one of the best defensive teams of the 1980s, with a strong presence in the paint. Team Chemistry: Their selfless style of play, with an emphasis on ball movement, made them nearly unstoppable. Championship Success: They went on to win the NBA title, defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals. Basketball IQ: The team's strategic approach, including Bird's court vision and McHale's low-post moves, set them apart. 6. The 2017-18 Golden State Warriors (NBA) The 2017-18 Golden State Warriors are considered one of the most talented basketball teams in history, winning the NBA Championship with a 16-1 postseason record. The team's roster, which included Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, was a perfect blend of offensive firepower and defensive prowess. The Warriors were known for their 'small-ball' lineup and three-point shooting, setting numerous records for scoring efficiency. Their dominance in the postseason cemented their place as one of the most feared teams in NBA history. Additional Insights: Offensive Prowess: The team's ability to shoot from beyond the arc, especially with Curry and Thompson, made them nearly unstoppable. Kevin Durant's Impact: Durant's addition made the Warriors even more lethal, contributing to their success. Defensive Versatility: With Green anchoring the defense, the Warriors were formidable on both ends of the court. Basketball Innovation: Their "small-ball" lineup revolutionized the game, emphasizing pace, space, and shooting. Sustained Success: The Warriors' success over multiple seasons changed the way NBA teams approached building their rosters. 7. The 1972 Miami Dolphins (NFL) The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the only NFL team to have a perfect season, finishing with a 14-0 regular-season record and winning Super Bowl VII. Coached by Don Shula, the Dolphins boasted a powerful offense led by quarterback Bob Griese and running back Larry Csonka, while their defense was solid throughout the season. This team's ability to dominate both sides of the ball and perform under pressure made them the most complete team in NFL history. Additional Insights: Super Bowl Victory: They capped their perfect season with a victory in Super Bowl VII over the Washington Redskins. Balanced Attack: The offense, with Griese and Csonka, was complemented by one of the best defenses in the league. Don Shula's Leadership: Shula's leadership and strategic brilliance were pivotal to the team's success. Legacy of Perfection: The Dolphins' perfect season remains one of the most remarkable achievements in sports history. NFL Impact: Their dominance in 1972 set a high standard for future NFL teams. 8. The 1999 Manchester United Team (Soccer) The 1998-99 Manchester United team is considered one of the greatest in soccer history, completing an unprecedented triple by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same season. Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, the team included legends like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Roy Keane, whose leadership and skill led the Red Devils to historic triumphs. United's ability to perform under pressure, especially in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, demonstrated their resilience and quality. Additional Insights: Clutch Performances: United's comeback in the Champions League final, scoring two goals in injury time, is one of the greatest moments in club football. Team Strength: The team had a combination of youth and experience, with players like Beckham and Giggs leading the way. Sir Alex Ferguson's Leadership: Ferguson's tactical acumen and leadership were essential to the team's success. Global Impact: The team's success solidified Manchester United's place as one of the most successful and popular soccer clubs in the world. Legacy: The 1999 season is considered the peak of Ferguson's managerial career. 9. The 1984-85 Chicago Bears (NFL) The 1984-85 Chicago Bears are remembered for their dominating "46" defense, which allowed them to win the Super Bowl and boast one of the most feared defenses in NFL history. Coached by Mike Ditka, the Bears had a defense led by Hall of Famers like Mike Singletary and Richard Dent, and their offense, led by quarterback Jim McMahon, was explosive. The Bears' performance during the season and their dominant Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots cemented their place in NFL history. Additional Insights: Super Bowl Champions: The Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Tactical Brilliance: Coach Mike Ditka's leadership and innovative strategies were pivotal to their success. Legendary Players: Players like Singletary, Dent, and Walter Payton were integral to the team's dominance. Seasonal Performance: The Bears finished with a 15-1 record, one of the most impressive in NFL history. Cultural Icon: The 1985 Bears are considered a cultural phenomenon, particularly for their defense and charismatic personalities. 10. The 2014-15 Golden State Warriors (NBA) The 2014-15 Golden State Warriors changed the landscape of modern basketball with their innovative style of play and emphasis on three-point shooting. Led by MVP Stephen Curry, the Warriors dominated the regular season with a 67-15 record and went on to win the NBA Championship, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors' ability to space the floor, combined with their fast pace and unselfish ball movement, revolutionized the way basketball is played in the modern era. Additional Insights: Three-Point Revolution: The Warriors' emphasis on the three-pointer redefined offensive strategies in the NBA. Stephen Curry's MVP: Curry's exceptional shooting and leadership earned him the MVP award that season. Defensive Strength: Despite being known for their offense, the Warriors had a top-tier defense, anchored by Draymond Green. Coaching Innovation: Steve Kerr's coaching style emphasized ball movement and high-tempo play. Legacy: The Warriors' style of play set the blueprint for future NBA teams, influencing how the game is played today. Conclusion on the Greatest Sports Teams These 10 teams represent the pinnacle of success in their respective sports, each achieving greatness in their own way. From the groundbreaking offensive and defensive strategies of the Chicago Bulls and New England Patriots to the innovative approach of the Golden State Warriors, these teams are remembered not only for their victories but for how they changed the way their sports were played. Their legacies have endured, setting new standards for future generations of athletes and teams. Each of these teams exemplifies what it takes to reach the top, from exceptional leadership and teamwork to overcoming adversity and redefining what's possible. While the world of sports continues to evolve, the accomplishments of these legendary teams will always remain benchmarks for excellence. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects, and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"He had a po'boy pulled down over his sunglasses" - Phil Jackson recalls Dennis Rodman's bizarre first meeting with Bulls
Dennis Rodman could be unpredictable as a player. With his eccentric personality, technicolor hair and refusal to play by anyone's rules but his own, it was jarring to picture him in a Chicago Bulls uniform — especially in the mid-'90s. This was a team defined by structure, discipline and the sheer definition of greatness. After missing the NBA Finals two years in a row, the Bulls were desperate to climb back to the top. Advertisement Rodman, of all people, was the answer they turned to. From Motor City to Chicago Two years and it was unlike the Bulls not to have made the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was back for his first full season after his baseball stint, but they needed more. That was when head coach Phil Jackson sought Rodman. From the onset, he knew what he was dealing with. "I set up a meeting with Dennis and it was at Jerry Krause's home and I went in and Dennis had all these rings in his nose, in his lip, in his ears," Jackson said. "He had a po'boy pulled down over his sunglasses. You couldn't see him." Rodman didn't exactly waltz into Chicago with a clean slate. His journey to the Bulls was littered with controversy, defiance, and stints with franchises that couldn't quite contain his chaos. With the Detroit Pistons, Dennis played a crucial role in the Bad Boys era, helping the Pistons secure back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990. Advertisement But his personal life began to unravel after the departure of mentor Chuck Daly. A trade to the San Antonio Spurs followed in 1993, where things only got stranger. Despite leading the league in rebounding and earning All-Defensive Team honors, his clashes with management and increasingly unpredictable behavior, like taking off his shoes mid-game or refusing to suit up, became too much for the Spurs' brass to tolerate. By 1995, the team was ready to cut ties, but few organizations were willing to take on that kind of volatility. Until Chicago. At the time, the Bulls were trying to piece together a new identity after losing Horace Grant to free agency. The franchise was trying to reconstruct a frontcourt tough enough to contend again. They didn't just need any big man. They needed rebounding, grit and above all, someone capable of holding down the dirty work so Jordan and Scottie Pippen could operate at full throttle. Advertisement Related: "A game for sissies" - Wilt Chamberlain admitted he only started playing basketball because he was from Philadelphia Rodman's impact The Bulls needed someone to crash the boards, especially with Grant — who had averaged 15.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in his final year with Chicago — gone and the team physically outmuscled in the paint. Rodman, for all his baggage, was still the most ferocious rebounder in the game. "We looked at the options, all of them were costly, none of them that extreme," Jackson said. "We went with San Antonio and Will Perdue went in exchange for Dennis Rodman. And the big deal was, 'Can you handle Dennis Rodman?'" Advertisement The trade was finalized in October 1995 and it shook the league. The Bulls were sending a serviceable center in Will Perdue to the Spurs in exchange for one of the NBA's most polarizing figures. But Jackson and the Bulls' brain trust believed they had the infrastructure to manage Rodman. With the stoicism of Pippen, the iron will of Jordan and Jackson's own spiritual-meets-psychological coaching style, there was confidence that the team could absorb the chaos. And Rodman, for all the noise he made off the court, showed up when it mattered. The wild nights, the Vegas disappearances and the dress-wearing press appearances didn't stop. But neither did his production. "The Worm" led the league in rebounds in all three of his seasons with the Bulls, averaging 14.9, 16.1 and 15.0 rebounds per game, respectively, from 1995 to 1998. He wasn't brought in to score or be a locker room presence but brought in to do one job, and he did it better than anyone in the league. In the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle SuperSonics, Rodman grabbed 19 rebounds in Game 2 and 11 more in the clinching Game 6. Advertisement Dennis would help Chicago win three straight championships from 1996 to 1998, solidifying his legacy not just as one of the most unique characters in basketball history but also as one of its greatest competitors. Related: "He's more impressive when you're playing with him than against him" - Dennis Rodman admits he was in awe of Scottie Pippen from day one
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Jordan told Phil Jackson that Scottie Pippen was the second-best player on the 1992 Dream Team: "He was a legitimate star"
Fans and analysts were relieved for Michael Jordan when the Chicago Bulls captured the 1991 NBA Championship, the first in his career. The victory signified Jordan's transition from a talented star to a true winner. Jordan's stock reached an all-time high in the summer of 1991. When the Bulls won their second consecutive title in 1992, the "Black Cat" was still considered the greatest player alive, but a handful of analysts were starting to look at the help Mike was receiving on his way to championship glory. After all, winning back-to-back chips is very rare, and MJ, for all his greatness, could never do it alone. The rise of a star Their eyes turned to University of Central Arkansas alum Scottie Pippen, the forward who, in Game 6 of the 1992 NBA Finals, led the second unit on a 14-2 run before Jordan and the starters returned to seal the deal against the Portland Trail Blazers. Advertisement Pippen continued his hot streak in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He played so great on the 1992 Dream Team that he was finally starting to get the recognition he deserved. MJ admitted to Bulls head coach Phil Jackson after the games that Scottie was turning heads in Barcelona with his great play. The "Zen Master" agreed, noting that, after the 1992 Championship and the Olympics, Pip became a star in his own right. "Michael came back from the Olympics and he told me Scottie was the second-best player on that team," said Jackson, via It wasn't just Michael who made this great discovery. Fans, too, began to notice how important Pip's defense and intelligence were in the Bulls and Team USA's success. Advertisement "People knew he was a pretty good sidekick to Michael, but all of a sudden, they were starting to recognize that he was a legitimate star in his own right who had really developed over the prior three to four years. He wasn't just an active, defensive small forward anymore. He was a player who could excel at three, if not four, positions. He was a real force on our team in that regard and Michael recognized that," Jackson believed. Related: "They think he was a chubby White guy" - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar thinks people don't appreciate Larry Bird enough Pip's greatest talent To the untrained eye, Pippen's height, length, and quickness enabled him to match up against anyone on the floor. It was these traits that separated him from an ordinary small forward. Advertisement But for Jackson, one of the greatest coaches ever, who could see beyond the physical, Pippen was more than just a special athlete. He also possessed a sound basketball mind and was an expert communicator. When he wasn't locking people down, he was telling his teammates how to defend. "His greatest strength was his knowledge of how things worked on the defensive end of the floor," he said. "Scottie was the voice of our team — figuratively and literally, as he did a lot of the talking and kept our team on the same page. When he wasn't at the top of the key harassing a guard as a special assignment, he was on the backside of our defense talking his teammates through different situations, whether it was a double team, trap or some other important aspect. Because of that, he was very vital to the run that we made," Jackson concluded. Related: "He looks like the old Scottie, in the Red and White" - Bruce Bowen admitted guarding Blazers Pippen was still a problem
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Their egos are huge, and I don't bow down to people like that" - Pippen says he'll never be able to forgive Jordan and Jackson
Against popular demand, Scottie Pippen still held grudges from his time in Chicago. Decades removed from the dynasty era, long after six championship banners had been raised to the rafters of the United Center and long after the hardwood dust settled on the Bulls' reign, Pip's memories carried more pain than pride. Advertisement While the rest of the world romanticized the 1990s Bulls as basketball royalty, the six-time NBA champion often found himself biting his tongue — or, in recent years, doing the exact opposite. And at the core of his lingering discontent stood two figures: Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson. Huge ego in Chicago While Jordan bathed in endless praise and Jackson carved out a mythical coaching resume, Pippen wrestled with the shadows of being second best. Or worse, forgotten. "You've been around Michael, you've been around Phil — their egos are huge, and I don't bow down to people like that," Pippen said. To most, the trio defined greatness. However, Pippen's version of the story never quite matched the glossy documentary treatment. He was the silent force, the versatile glue, the defensive backbone who often felt like the odd man out, not on the court, but in the legacy conversation. Advertisement Those egos, as the Arkansas native described them, were barriers. Barriers that, in his eyes, blocked any real camaraderie from forming. During their dynasty run from 1991 to 1998, the Bulls operated like a machine — efficient, precise, and dominant. But within that machine, Pippen wasn't just another gear. He never got along with coach Jackson. That infamous 1994 playoff incident, when Pip refused to enter the game after "Zen Master" drew up the final play for Toni Kukoc, remains a touchpoint for understanding the fracture. The fallout revealed how deeply Pippen felt overlooked. Many years after their retirement, "The Last Dance" documentary, which revisited those years through Jordan's lens, only served to deepen old wounds. Scottie would later call the series "more about glorifying" his former teammate than truly telling the full story, and many close to him say he felt betrayed by its portrayal. Related: Ray Allen talks about the issue of shooting too many 3-pointers, using the Boston Celtics as an example: "They gotta figure getting some easy buckets" From loyalty to disillusionment Jackson's rise from an obscure coaching background to the zenith of NBA greatness was meteoric. But for Pippen, Jackson's path to the top was paved in part by others' sacrifices — his own included. Advertisement "Phil Jackson, coming from being a CBA coach, Jerry Krause gave him a chance that he had never or probably would have never received," Pippen said. "And then he turned and s— on the guy pretty much. If anybody had a reason to be mad at Krause, it was me. It wasn't Phil Jackson." The seven-time NBA All-Star had long taken issue with Jerry Krause, the Bulls' controversial general manager, particularly after he pursued Kukoc while Scottie was underpaid and unappreciated. But in Pippen's eyes, Jackson had no such grounds for bitterness. He had been handed a franchise ripe with talent, nurtured under Doug Collins, and then vaulted into the spotlight by Krause's belief in him. And yet, Jackson still became one of Krause's harshest critics. The 6'8" forward felt that his loyalty to the franchise, to the grind, to the silent work of defense and facilitation — seemed undervalued. He played through back pain, delayed surgeries to accommodate team needs, and often filled the gaps when Jordan retired or when internal rifts cracked the team's unity. Advertisement In 1997-98, while making just $2.7 million, a fraction of what his counterparts earned, Pippen carried the weight of dysfunction. He demanded a trade early that season, felt shut out from decisions, and carried the burden of being underpaid and expected to lead. When it all ended and Jackson, Jordan, and even Dennis Rodman walked into the sunset with cemented legacies, Pippen's exit felt more like an afterthought. As a Hall of Famer, he remains one of the most versatile players in NBA history. He finished his career with over 18,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 6,000 assists — one of only five players to ever do so. He was a 10-time All-Defensive selection, a seven-time All-Star, and one of the few players who could guard all five positions in his era. But accolades, in his case, never seemed to erase the pain of exclusion. Related: "You guys don't know what it takes to win!" - Michael Jordan's furious locker room rant after the Bulls loss to the Hawks in the playoffs
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"We could've won seven, we could've won eight, or we could've won nine, the LeBron thing" - MJ took a shot at LeBron when discussing how many titles would Chicago won if the 1998 team never broke up
Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls built a dynasty during the 1990s. They completed two three-peats during an eight-year span from 1991 to 1998 to establish themselves not only as the best team in the decade but one of the greatest basketball squads of all time. But successful as the Bulls were during that period, Michael Jordan was still bothered by the fact that they never got to keep the dice rolling and see how far their luck took them. After achieving a second three-peat in 1998, the Bulls surrendered the Larry O'Brien trophy without losing it on the basketball court by going their separate ways. Advertisement "It was a very sad situation because we never lost in the Finals," said Michael in 2013 in an interview with good pal Ahmad Rashad. "I never knew what it felt like. At least, if you gonna…'Think I'll be the king of the hill?' Until somebody knocks you down there, you can shake the hand and say, 'You enjoy now, you gonna see how difficult it is,' but it never happened." The Last Dance The Bulls entered that 1997-98 season knowing that it would be their last. Phil Jackson was already told he wasn't coming back even if he went 82-0. And Jordan had declared that he'd rather retire than play for another head coach. Also, Scottie Pippen's controversial contract expired at the end of that campaign. GM Jerry Krause also did not want the Bulls to get old. While he still had control over the pieces, he wanted to rebuild the team, even if that meant breaking them up while they were still at the peak of their powers. And so, despite winning a third straight Larry O'Brien Trophy in 1998, the dynasty team was disbanded, leaving Jordan and the crew thinking about the 'What ifs?' Advertisement "Now we have to live the rest of our lives with this idea that we could've won seven, we could've won eight, or we could've won nine, the LeBron thing, but we were halfway there. We could've done all that. But for whatever reason, it was not meant to be," added Mike and thus took a dig at LeBron James' statement that the Miami Heat would win eight or nine titles when he assembled the big three there with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but only managed to win two. Related: Isiah Thomas recalls his college recruitment: "My mom closed the briefcase and said, 'My son's not for sale" Harp said the Bulls would've beaten the Spurs in '99 While MJ thought about the possibilities after the "Last Dance", Bulls guard Ron Harper firmly believed that if the 1998 Bulls squad was retained and carried over to the 1999 season, they would have beaten the San Antonio Spurs in the 1999 NBA Finals and captured a fourth straight championship and a seventh overall title. Advertisement "We felt we had a good enough team to keep winning — I don't think that the San Antonio Spurs would have gotten that championship, no way. Because they wouldn't have had to play against the New York Knicks, they would have had to play against that Chicago team. If we — the Bulls — had the same team, we would whooped San Antonio as*. I'll tell it like it is. We would whooped their a*s in five. Maybe four, but I'll say five," said Harper. Looking back, the Bulls were still in their primes in '98, with Rodman as the oldest at 36 years old. With a team that was dominant and a unit that was cohesive, Chicago would still have been a powerhouse in '99. With MJ and Pip leading the way, there was a good chance they would've kept on winning and added at least another title in 1999. Related: "He never beat Larry Bird, he never beat Magic and Kareem"- When Isiah Thomas reminded Stephen A. Smith he did what Michael Jordan could never do
