8 Basketball Players who Played for Bucks and Bulls
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Bucks and the Bulls.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol was selected 3rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2001 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. In his rookie season, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, setting the stage for a decorated NBA career.
Gasol’s time in Memphis solidified him as one of the franchise’s top players, but a trade to the Lakers in 2008 would elevate his status further.
Joining forces with Kobe Bryant, Gasol played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Beyond the Lakers, Gasol had stints with the Bulls, Spurs, Bucks, and Trail Blazers.
Gasol Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Grizzlies)
- All-NBA (Lakers, Bulls)
- All-Star (Grizzlies, Lakers, Bulls)
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Grizzlies)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, Bucks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Spurs)
Bobby Portis
Bobby Portis was selected 22nd overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2015 NBA Draft. During his tenure with the Bulls, he showcased his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. After his time in Chicago, Portis played for the Wizards and the Knicks, consistently bringing energy and production to each team he joined.
However, it has been with the Milwaukee Bucks that Portis has had some of his best seasons. Joining the Bucks for the 2020-2021 season, he became an essential player off the bench.
Portis played a crucial role in the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship run, with standout performances in the playoffs, especially during the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. His tenacity and timely scoring were instrumental in helping the Bucks capture their first NBA title in 50 years.
*Portis was the most popular player for this square in a previous grid (Grid 32)
Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver was selected by the New Jersey Nets in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, 51st overall, but was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard and small forward played in the NBA for 17 seasons, with stints at the 76ers, Jazz, Bulls, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Bucks.
Korver was best known for his three-point shooting, consistently ranking among the league’s best in three-point percentage. He led the league in three-point percentage four times during his career and was named an NBA All-Star in 2015 while playing for the Hawks.
In his best season, he averaged 12.1 points per game with a 49.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
Garrett Temple
Garrett Temple was undrafted out of LSU in the 2009 NBA Draft but worked his way into the league and has developed an impressive 13-year career as a journeyman.
He has played for multiple NBA teams (11 in total), including the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. His role has primarily been as a defensive specialist and a veteran presence in the locker room.
He’s been a key contributor on many of the teams he’s played on and has even started in almost 300 games in his career.
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragić was selected as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Over his career, Dragić has played for several teams, including the Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018.
Dragić has career averages (to date) of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His crafty playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership on the court have been key factors in his success as an NBA player. He played an instrumental role in helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Dragic Key Stats
- All-Star (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Suns, Heat)
Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft. In his early career with the Suns, Lopez provided reliable depth at the center position, known for his rim protection and rebounding.
His time in Phoenix was followed by a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a full-time starter and was appreciated for his defensive efforts and hard screens.
Lopez then had brief but impactful spells with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, providing a steady inside presence and veteran leadership. In recent years, Lopez has continued to bounce around with multiple teams with varied levels of success.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
