While The Last Dance helped Michael Jordan cement his legacy as the NBA’s greatest player of all time, it also took a big toll on Jerry Krause’s image.
He was portrayed as a villain, up to the point where his widow was even booed during his induction into the Bulls’ Ring of Honor.
That’s why, since that day, several people have gone the extra mile to make sure that Krause gets the credit he’s due.
Notably, that includes Isiah Thomas.
When discussing some of the big moves Krause did as an executive, the Detroit Pistons legend made it loud and clear that the Bulls would’ve never won those rings without Jerry Krause.
Needless to say, some people saw Thomas’ comments as yet another shot at Michael Jordan and the Bulls, but he was actually being honest.
Krause got Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc, Will Perdue, Stacey King, and BJ Armstrong and traded for Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman.
Of course, Jordan was the heart, face, and soul of the dynasty, but as much as Krause felt it was time to break the roster up, he also built two championship-winning dynasties in a decade.
Krause’s poor relationship with his biggest star and his decision not to run it back after the 1998 championship made him an infamous figure among the fans.
But we should give credit where it is due, and Krause was as important to the Bulls’ six NBA championships as perhaps Phil Jackson and some of the players.
