How To Collect | The Chicago Bulls

Collecting the House that Jordan Built

Few teams in sports history have had as significant an impact on culture and collectibles as the Chicago Bulls. Led by Michael Jordan, the ’90s Bulls transformed basketball and sports cards forever. Today, their legacy lives on through iconic Topps cards that remain essential pieces for collectors.

The best way to collect Chicago Bulls cards is to start with Michael Jordan’s iconic Topps issues—like his 1993 Finest Refractor—then expand to teammates such as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Vintage pioneers like Jerry Sloan and Red Kerr complete a well-rounded Bulls collection.

Jump to:

• Bulls Mount Rushmore
• Collecting Michael Jordan
• Building the Dynasty
• Bulls Pioneers
• Collecting Your Way
• FAQs
• Key Facts

Chicago Bulls Mount Rushmore

The Bulls’ collecting journey starts with the GOAT, Michael Jordan. Alongside him:

• Scottie Pippen — his running mate and Hall of Famer.
• Artis Gilmore — 1970s star and MVP.
• Derrick Rose — youngest NBA MVP.

Key cards include:

• 1993 Topps Finest Basketball #1 Michael Jordan Refractor
• 1998 Topps Chrome Basketball #1 Scottie Pippen Refractor
• 1981 Topps Basketball #7 Artis Gilmore
• 2008/09 Topps Chrome Basketball #181 Derrick Rose Red Refractor /5

1993 Topps Finest Basketball #1 Michael Jordan Refractor

1998 Topps Chrome Basketball #1 Scottie Pippen Refractor

1981 Topps Basketball #7 Artis Gilmore 

2008/09 Topps Chrome Basketball #181 Derrick Rose Red Refractor /5 

Collecting Michael Jordan

No Bulls collection is complete without Jordan. His 1993 Finest Refractor, 1996/97 Chrome debut, and Topps Archives issues remain cornerstones. Jordan’s global impact ensures that his cards remain among the most sought-after in The Hobby.

While team collecting is a way for collectors to tell their own story, there really is no way to collect the Bulls without chasing the GOAT. Among his most important Topps cards are his first Refractor, from 1993/94 Topps Finest Basketball, and his Chrome debut in 1996/97 Topps Chrome Basketball. 

While Jordan cards can come at a premium, one of the best parts about collecting the Chicago Bulls is that your collection can be centered around one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.

Building the Dynasty

Michael Jordan is rightly celebrated for the way he led the Bulls to titles, but even the GOAT couldn’t have done it alone. At the top of the list of the supporting roster for those runs is Jordan’s running mate Scottie Pippen, an incredible athlete in his own right and a phenomenal defender, who helped form perhaps the greatest duo in league history.

From John Paxson and Steve Kerr to Toni Kukoc, many Bulls players showed up in huge moments to help deliver the city six titles. Paxson’s 1993 game-winning shot in the deciding Game Six against the Phoenix Suns is one of the most memorable plays in franchise history.

Dennis Rodman had already won two championships with Detroit before he arrived in the Windy City. One of basketball’s most eccentric and compelling personalities, his tough play and otherworldly rebounding were mission-critical to the continuation of Chicago’s dominance over the league. Beyond the hardwood, Rodman became a pop culture icon, and this 1997/98 Topps Basketball Rock Stars card captures his larger-than-life persona.

Then, of course, there’s the man pulling the strings on the sideline. Phil Jackson ended his coaching career with 11 titles as a head coach, having steered both the Bulls’ and Lakers’ dynasties to the top. He also won two championships as a player with the Knicks, and his vintage ’70s Topps cards are a fun way to add the Zen Master to the fold.

Bulls Pioneers

1955 Champion and three-time All-Star John “Red” Kerr was the first head coach in Chicago Bulls history. The expansion team joined the league for the 1966/67 season, and Kerr led them to the playoffs in an exciting debut year.

The Bulls were the first expansion team in major pro sports to pull off the feat. Speaking of firsts, Red Kerr appears in the first-ever Topps Basketball set in 1957, with his rookie card showing him as a member of the Syracuse Nets.

Known as “The Original Bull,” Jerry Sloan was the first pick in Chicago’s 1966 Expansion Draft. In Chicago’s debut season, the young guard was named an All-Star. He played for Chicago from 1966 to 1976, being named to the All-Defensive First Team four times. Sloan went on to be one of the best coaches of all time, retiring with a record of 1,221-803.

Capturing History Your Way

From Jordan’s dominance to early pioneers, Chicago Bulls collecting offers endless paths. Whether you chase refractors, vintage rookies, or dynasty legends, these cards tell the story of one of basketball’s greatest franchises.

Collecting Chicago Bulls Cards FAQs

• What are the most valuable Chicago Bulls cards?
  • Michael Jordan refractors from the 1990s, especially Topps Finest and Chrome issues, consistently rank among the most valuable Bulls collectibles.
• Which Bulls players should collectors focus on?
  • Jordan leads the way, but cards of Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Derrick Rose, and pioneers like Jerry Sloan and Red Kerr are also popular.
• What’s a good entry point for Bulls collecting?
  • Start with affordable Jordan or Pippen cards, then expand into rarer refractors or vintage issues as your budget allows.
• Are Bulls vintage cards worth collecting?
  • Yes. Vintage Topps cards of Jerry Sloan, Red Kerr, and early Bulls history are essential for building a comprehensive collection.
• How do Bulls cards compare to other NBA teams?
  • The Bulls’ global popularity, driven by Michael Jordan, makes their cards some of the most sought-after in The Hobby compared to other franchises.

Key Facts

• Michael Jordan’s 1993 Finest Refractor is a cornerstone card.
• Scottie Pippen’s Chrome cards are essential for dynasty collectors.
• Dennis Rodman’s 1997/98 Topps Basketball Rock Stars reflects his pop-culture impact.
• Early Bulls history includes Red Kerr and Jerry Sloan rookie cards.

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