“Michael Jordan wanted UNC teammate Joe Wolf”: Jerry Krause drafted Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant despite MJ’s wishes in 1987

Jerry Krause trusted his better judgement to draft Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant in 1987, despite Michael Jordan insisting on Joe Wolf.

The Chicago Bulls became a team with dynasty potential in this very draft. The likes of Reggie Miller, David Robinson and Kevin Johnson were also selected in the same draft class.

Jerry Krause had long set his eye on Scottie Pippen. The Central Arkansas small forward had displayed top-5 pick potential. The Bulls only had the no. 8 and the no. 10 picks in the draft.

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The Seattle SuperSonics selected Scottie Pippen with the no. 5 pick in the draft. Krause traded his no. 8 pick and future draft considerations in exchange for his target.

It turned out to be one of the most lopsided deals in league history. Pippen emerged as one of the greatest small forwards of all time, revolutionizing his position.

Scottie was one of the pillars of the team alongside MJ. He did a ton of the things that won the games without showing up on the score sheet. In addition to being the primary facilitator in the triangle offense, he was a Swiss Knife when needed on offense.

Michael Jordan wanted Jerry Krause to draft Joe Wolf

The former Tar Heels guard had developed camaraderie with Joe Wolf in his junior year. Wolf was a rookie at the time. He went on to have a successful 4-year career at UNC.

Wolf was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the no. 13 pick. Krause’s decision to pick Horace Grant at the power forward position was a no-brainer. Grant had submitted a campaign culminating in ACC Player of the Year honors.

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Wolf was in the league for 11 years. Horace Grant, meanwhile won 4 championships, including a 3-peat with Michael Jordan and the Bulls.