September 21st : Throughout the Chicago Bulls' 60-year history, defensive tenacity and resilience have always been the hallmarks of the team. As one of the league's most prestigious individual defensive awards, being selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team symbolizes a player's immense impact on both offense and defense.

1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine consecutive times, from 1988 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1998. Jordan averaged 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game throughout his career, and in the 1987-88 season, he averaged 35 points and 3.2 steals.

2. Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen, who played alongside Jordan , earned seven consecutive All-Defensive First Team selections from 1992 to 1998. During that time, Pippen averaged 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, leading the league with 2.9 steals per game in the 1994-95 season . His versatile defense earned him numerous top-10 finishes in Defensive Player of the Year awards.

3. Jerry Sloan

Jerry Sloan was named to the All-Defensive First Team four times, in 1969 , 1972 , 1974 , and 1975. His career average of 2.2 steals per game laid the foundation for the defensive culture that would later define the team. Norm Van Lier earned the honor three times, in 1974 , 1976 , and 1977 , also recognized for his tough defense.

4. Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah was selected to the All-Defensive First Team in 2013 and 2014 and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014. That season, he averaged 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

5. Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso made the All-Defensive First Team in 2023 , averaging 1.5 steals per game and leading the league in steal rate, demonstrating the value of modern perimeter defense.