Artis Gilmore leads the Chicago Bulls' all-time blocks list with 1,029, ahead of Michael Jordan and Joakim Noah. The franchise's defensive legacy is highlighted by these players, even as the current team looks to improve after a recent 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2026.
Who are the Chicago Bulls' all-time blocks leaders?
Artis Gilmore sits atop the franchise list with 1,029 blocks. He joined the Bulls in the 1976-77 season and averaged 2.5 blocks per game that year. Over 482 games with Chicago, the Hall of Fame center maintained an average of 2.1 blocks.
Michael Jordan is second with 828 blocks. His defensive prowess was a huge part of the Bulls' six championships. Jordan won the 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year award and averaged 0.9 blocks for his Chicago career.
Joakim Noah ranks third with 803 blocks. He was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14. Noah averaged a career-high 2.1 blocks per game the season before that award. Injuries limited his availability, but he still averaged 1.4 blocks across 572 games in a Bulls uniform.
What makes these players defensive legends?
Gilmore's impact was immediate and sustained. He protected the paint for six straight seasons, playing 82 games five times. His size and timing made him a constant shot-blocking threat.
Jordan's blocks came from athleticism and instinct. He had two seasons averaging at least 1.5 blocks. This defensive effort, combined with his three steals titles, made him a nightmare on both ends. You can explore more historic team stats on our stats page.
Noah's energy defined his game. He was the heart of the Bulls' defense in the early 2010s. His ability to switch on guards and protect the rim was special. That 2013-14 season saw him finish fourth in MVP voting, a rare feat for a defense-first center.
How do Scottie Pippen and Taj Gibson fit in?
Scottie Pippen is fourth with 774 blocks. He was named to an All-Defensive team eight times with the Bulls. Pippen was more known for his steals, but his length contributed to his block total. He averaged 0.9 blocks over 856 games alongside Jordan.
Taj Gibson rounds out the top five with 695 blocks. The Bulls drafted him 26th overall in 2009. Gibson started his career with five straight seasons averaging at least 1.3 blocks. He provided reliable interior defense for 562 games in Chicago.
What is the current context for the Bulls?
The current Bulls are in a different phase. Their last result was a 149-128 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, -2026. Recent form shows a 2W-3L record in their last five games (LLLWW). They lost their last three contests.
Building a new defensive identity is a challenge. The legends on this list set a very high standard. Today's team must look to its roster to find the next great rim protector. The path forward requires blending history with a new vision for success.
