In 1978, on this day, two-time All-Star Reggie Theus debuted for the Chicago Bulls. Theus was drafted with the ninth pick by the Bulls in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft and quickly became a fan favorite. He averaged 16 points per game during his rookie season and helped lead the Bulls to a playoff berth a couple of seasons later.
Before Michael Jordan came around and took over Windy City, Theus was the team's premier wingman, and he showed a glimpse of what was the come during his debut game.
Solid debut
Theus debut happened against the Seattle Supersonics, and the result was not pleasant for him and the Bulls as they got shellacked, 104-86. The UNLV product missed most of his shots and ended the night with a stat line of 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He would have a prolific career for the Bulls, with his most productive season coming during the 1982-1983 season — the one before the team drafted MJ.
During that season, Theus posted averages of 23.8 points, 5.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. However, the team floundered to a 28-54 record. The next season, Theus was traded to the Kansas City Kings.
Fateful Move
That trade would forever change the course of the Bulls and the rest of the NBA. It is often said that without the trade, the Bulls would not have drafted Michael Jordan, and he may never have led them to six NBA championships. Theus enjoyed a successful career in the NBA with stints in Sacramento, Atlanta, Orlando, and New Jersey before retiring from pro basketball in 1993.
Later on, Theus lamented getting traded from the Bulls as he felt he could have played well with MJ and been part of something special.
"I could have been a better John Paxson or Steve Kerr for them. I could have played the point for Michael, I think. Michael and I have laughed about that because we have become friends over the years," said Theus.
Despite that, Theus would always be remembered as a key player on the Bulls during their early years and one of the top players in franchise history.
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