From a certain “Bad Boy” to an annoying Knick, “The Next Jordan” to the “Jordan Stopper,” these jerseys are most unwelcome on the Bulls’ home turf.
5 NBA Jerseys that Should Never be Worn at the United Center
1. Bill Laimbeer
Over two decades have passed since the Bad Boy Pistons, “Jordan Rules” and the infamous handshake snub. But even after all these years, Bill Laimbeer is probably still persona non grata in the United Center. [sc:NBA240banner ] Michael Jordan stated that the Piston’s Joe Dumars was his toughest defender and Bulls fans respected him (Dumars) for it – Laimbeer on the other hand, not so much.
Sure, Laimbeer is entitled to voice his opinion on Derrick Rose (spoiler: he’s not a fan), but for a person with as much history as Laimbeer has with the Bulls, it’s just not a great idea. As is wearing a throwback Laimbeer jersey in the United Center.
2. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller hatred is not exclusive to Spike Lee or Knicks fans. His play and personality during his heyday rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
Suffice it to say, Reggie didn’t endear himself with Bulls fans much. There was that time he got in a scuffle with MJ, which didn’t win him any brownie points in Chicago. And of course, there was his infamous mocking bow back in 1994 after he hit one of his patented clutch shots (although the Bulls had the last laugh).
3. John Starks
Somewhat surprisingly at the heart of the heated Bulls-Knicks rivalry of the 1990s was some undrafted guard with a prepubescent mustache by the name of John Starks.
Starks was the poster boy for Bulls fans’ hatred, much of it earned. As SI notes, “He was a thug, tripping Scottie Pippen and jawing with Michael Jordan almost to the point of blows. He was a taunter, giving Bulls fans grief whenever he got the chance.” And of course, who can forget the dunk on Jordan (and Horace Grant)?
Bulls fans sure didn’t forget when he played his first game for Chicago in 2000. Thirteen years later, don’t expect anything different when you step into the United Center wearing his jersey.
4. LeBron James
Bulls fans are developing a growing distaste for LeBron James. Just this year, they attempted to steal his almighty source of power (his headband) and they cheered when the King went down with an injury.
Chicago got one over on the King when they snapped Miami’s record-breaking winning streak, but the Heat had the last laugh by winning the NBA title.
With D. Rose set to return, the budding Heat-Bulls rivalry is sure to continue heating up. Which means King James fans should still be wary when entering enemy territory.
5. Gerald Wilkins
Don’t go into the House That Jordan Built wearing the jersey of his mortal enemy, the Jordan Stopper himself, Gerald Wilkins.
Actually, scrap that, because Gerald Wilkins isn’t the Jordan Stopper. In fact, no one is.
It wasn’t Wilkins’ fault — he didn’t call himself anything of the sort. But unfortunately for him, the name stuck and Jordan had to exact his vengeance to the tune of 43 points and a game-winning shot.
If you happen to be one of what I can only assume to be a handful of people who own a replica Gerald Wilkins jersey, please save yourself the ridicule and stay clear of the United Center.
[sc:NBA490banner ]Check out lines and odds for all of Chicago’s games throughout the season, and be careful picking what jersey you wear to your next Bulls game.
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