A former NBA player and coach, known for his defensive skills and leading the Chicago Bulls to a championship in 1991 as an assistant coach.
Pete Myers is often remembered as the player who filled the shoes of the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, during his stint in baseball. As an American former professional basketball player and assistant coach, Myers' career is forever tied to the Chicago Bulls and the iconic Air Jordan era.
Born on September 15, 1963, in Mobile, Alabama, Myers grew up with a passion for basketball. He graduated from Williamson High School of Mobile in 1981 and went on to attend Faulkner State Community College. During his two-year stint at Faulkner State, Myers averaged nearly 14 points per game and was named to the 1983 All-Southern Division team.
Myers transferred to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1983, where he played two seasons with the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans men's basketball team after redshirting one year. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Trans American Athletic Conference (TAAC) team both his junior and senior years. Myers was part of the 1986 TAAC tournament championship team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
In the 1986 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Myers in the sixth round as the 120th overall pick. As a rookie, Myers played in 29 games with the Bulls, averaging 5.3 minutes and 2.3 points per game. His brief stint with the Bulls marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the team.
In 1987, Myers played for the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), earning a spot as a league All-Star and securing second place in the CBA slam dunk contest. His impressive performance caught the attention of the San Antonio Spurs, who signed him in January 1988. Myers averaged 14.9 minutes, 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 22 games with the Spurs.
The Spurs traded Myers to the Philadelphia 76ers in August 1988, but Myers chose to play in the Spanish Liga ACB team Cai Zaragoza during the NBA preseason, sparking a controversy. The 76ers sued to stop Myers, but he played in four games with Zaragoza, averaging 12.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Eventually, Myers was waived by the 76ers on December 15, 1988.
After his playing career, Myers transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls from 2001 to 2012. During his tenure, the Bulls made the playoffs six times, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009.
Myers' association with the Bulls has left an indelible mark on his legacy. He may not have been the star of the show, but his contributions, both on and off the court, have solidified his place in Chicago Bulls history.
While Pete Myers may not be a household name, his contributions to the Chicago Bulls' legacy are undeniable. As a player, coach, and ambassador, Myers has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball.
39 Years Old
Star of critically acclaimed films like Creed and Black Panther, bringing nuanced portrayals of complex characters to the big screen.
60 Years Old
A legendary NBA player and Olympic gold medalist, known for his defensive prowess and iconic partnership with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls.
65 Years Old
A flamboyant and dominant rebounder who won multiple NBA championships and was a key player in the Chicago Bulls' dynasty, also known for his off-court antics and celebrity appearances.
60 Years Old
A legendary basketball player and coach who won multiple championships as a player and coach, and is now a respected TV commentator. 82
57 Years Old
A legendary Croatian basketball player, known for his impressive skills on the court, leading the Croatian national team to multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.
57 Years Old
First Australian to play in the NBA, winning three championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, and later becoming a successful coach.
62 Years Old
A five-time NBA champion and former point guard, known for his clutch shooting and playmaking abilities, who later transitioned into coaching.
69 Years Old
A dominant center in the NBA, winning three championships with the Chicago Bulls, and later coaching the Bulls and New Jersey Nets. Known for his strong post play and defensive skills.
