4 Rings, 40 Years, 1 Franchise · Chicago Bulls Legend John Paxson | S2 E43

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I was introduced to John by a family friend in Santa Barbara named Rich Branning. Rich and John were teammates at Notre Dame during the 1979-1980 season.

“I’ll say this until the day I can’t speak anymore. The mistakes I made in terms of decisions in an executive role were basketball character mistakes. I’ll go down with guys that are tough and competitive and fight every night — those are the guys I want on our team.”

The Chicago Bulls didn’t have their own dedicated practice facility until the 1990s. Before that, they practiced at a suburban health club, using a single court that wasn’t even regulation length.

John Paxson has been a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls for more than 40 years—a rare and remarkable tenure that spans nearly every facet of the game: player, coach, broadcaster, executive and advisor.

After being selected 19th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1983 NBA Draft, Paxson joined the Bulls as a free agent in 1985. A steady and savvy point guard, he became a key contributor during Chicago’s first dynasty during the early 1990s.

Known for clutch shooting and unselfish play, Paxson delivered when it mattered most. During the 1991 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Paxson averaged 13.4 points per game and shot a remarkable .653 from the field. In the title-clinching Game 5 played in Los Angeles, Paxson recorded 20 points, including ten in the closing minutes on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting, helping seal Chicago’s 108-101 victory to capture the franchise’s first NBA Championship.

In what was perhaps the defining moment of his career, Paxson hit a game-winning three-pointer in Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. With Chicago trailing 98-96 and just seconds remaining, the ball - off of timely passes from teammates Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant - found Paxson at the top of the arc. With calm precision, he drained a three-pointer, giving the Bulls a 99-98 lead with seconds remaining, ultimately securing their third straight championship. That shot remains one of the most clutch plays in NBA Finals history and forever cemented Paxson’s place in Bulls lore.

Following his retirement in 1994, Paxson joined Phil Jackson’s coaching staff for the 1995-96 season—a historic campaign in which the Bulls posted a then-record 72-10 regular season and captured their fourth NBA title. That season, Paxson worked closely with the team’s guards, offering mentorship and tactical insight in areas like decision-making, spacing, and shooting. His presence also helped maintain continuity in the locker room, especially for players who had once been his teammates.

Paxson’s next chapter came in broadcasting, where he served as a color commentator for Bulls television and radio broadcasts during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Working alongside longtime play-by-play voices like Neil Funk, Tom Dore, and Wayne Larrivee, Paxson’s understanding of the Bulls’ triangle offense, defensive schemes, and team culture made him a trusted voice for fans.

After seven seasons as a broadcaster, Paxson became the Bulls General Manager - tasked with building a team strong in character, defense, and team-first values. Paxson was responsible for drafting Bulls icons Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Andrés Nocioni, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose, among others. Under Paxson’s leadership, the Bulls returned to playoff contention, making the postseason 11 times. His teams were always known for their grit, chemistry, and defensive identity—hallmarks of Paxson’s playing career.

ICYMI: Last week’s episode with Ethan Rosenbaum, Co-Managing Partner of Source Golf ⬇️

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– Brent