Record 13–37 (.260) Head coach Tim Floyd Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Arena United Center | Playoff finish Did not qualify End date 1999 Radio WMVP Televisions FSN Chicago, WGN-TV | |
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Place Division: 8th (Central) Conference: 15th (Eastern) | ||
The 1998–99 NBA season was the Bulls' 33rd season in the NBA. Michael Jordan's Game 6 performance in the 1998 NBA Finals seemed to be a perfect ending to his career. With Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen (who stated his desire to be traded during the season) and Dennis Rodman (who would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent) looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced lockout of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on January 13, 1999. With new head coach Tim Floyd and signing free agent Brent Barry, the Bulls were shells of their former selves. The team struggled and finished last place in the Central Division with a 13–37 record. Toni Kukoč led the team in scoring with 18.8 points per game.
On April 10, 1999, the Bulls set an all-time NBA record low for points in the shot clock era in a 82–49 loss at the United Center to the Miami Heat. Following the season, Barry was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, and Ron Harper signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers.