10 Basketball Players who Played for Bulls and Knicks
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 Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.
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 Bulls and the Knicks.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft. During his time with the Bulls, Rose earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors and became the youngest player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player award in the 2010-2011 season.
Unfortunately, Rose’s career was hindered by significant knee injuries, including a devastating ACL tear in 2012. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute valuable minutes with various teams such as the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons.
While with the Timberwolves, Rose recorded a career-high 50-point game, and he later played a vital role in helping the Knicks reach the playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. His career is marked by incredible talent and resilience, making him one of the most memorable point guards of his generation.
Rose Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Bulls)
- MVP (Bulls)
- All-NBA (Bulls)
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Pistons)
Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler was renowned for his rebounding and defensive skills. Drafted straight out of high school as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2001 NBA draft, Chandler was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he spent his first five seasons.
He moved to the Dallas Mavericks in 2010, where he won the NBA Championship in 2011. His exceptional performance earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award the following season.
Throughout his career, Chandler played for several NBA teams (8 in total) including the Knicks, Suns, Lakers and Rockets. Known for his tenacity on defense and ability to protect the rim, he also had significant success on the international stage, winning a gold medal with Team USA in the 2012 London Olympics.
Chandler Key Stats
- All-NBA (Knicks)
- All-Star (Knicks)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pelicans, Knicks, Mavericks, Suns)
Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah was selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of the University of Florida and was an integral part of the Bulls team that was a perennial playoff contender in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Noah was known for his high-energy play, excellent rebounding, and defensive abilities. His best individual season came in 2013-14 when led the NBA in rebounds and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and was named First Team All-NBA.
Noah also played for the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2021. Over his 13-year career, he was named an NBA All-Star twice and was consistently recognized as one of the top defensive players in the league.
Noah Key Stats
- All-NBA (Bulls)
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls)
Jalen Rose
Jalen Rose had a successful 13-year career in the NBA. Rose was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft, and had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.
Rose’s most successful years came with the Pacers, where he played a vital role in the team reaching the NBA Finals in 2000. That season, he averaged 18.2 points per game and proved himself to be a strong performer in the playoffs.
Post-retirement, Rose transitioned to a media career and has become a prominent sports analyst. Rose also established the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown of Detroit, underscoring his commitment to educational reform and community service.
Rose Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nuggets, Pacers, Bulls, Raptors)
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic plays and ability to score against much taller opponents.
His time in New York showcased his talents, and Robinson became a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
Throughout his NBA career, Robinson played for multiple teams (8 in total), including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets, among others. Regardless of the team, his fearless approach and knack for making big plays in crucial moments remained consistent.
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.
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott was a player known for his shooting accuracy. He was selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, but was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls.
His draft selection came after an impressive college career at Creighton University, where he was a three-time consensus first-team All-American and won the National Player of the Year award in his senior season.
Throughout his NBA career, McDermott has played for the Bulls, Thunder, Knicks, Pacers, Spurs, and currently, the Memphis Grizzlies. His best scoring season came in 2020-2021, where he averaged a career-high 13.6 points per game with the Pacers.
Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is widely regarded as one of the best sixth men in NBA history, thanks to his uncanny scoring ability and flair for the dramatic. Over the course of his lengthy career, Crawford played for several teams, leaving an indelible mark with his unique ball-handling skills and clutch shot-making ability.
Crawford was a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner, a feat only a handful of players have achieved. Though he bounced around the league, some of his most memorable moments came during his stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks.
Whether it was scoring 50+ points in a game with multiple franchises or breaking defenders’ ankles with his signature crossover, Crawford’s style and prowess have made him a fan favorite wherever he’s played.
Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. His tenacious defense and ability to contribute offensively quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top two-way players. In the 2003-04 season with the Pacers he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite his on-court success, World Peace was often in the spotlight for his unpredictable behavior. Most infamously, he was a central figure in the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” incident, a brawl during a game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. This led to a lengthy suspension and affected his public perception.
World Peace later joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a key role in helping the team win the NBA Championship in 2010. His performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals was particularly crucial, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
World Peace Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- NBA Champ (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Kings)
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.
