Orlando Woolridge

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Woolridge was selected sixth in the 1981 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, where he played for his first five seasons. He made his NBA debut on November 7, 1981. He was named NBA Player of the Week on December 9, 1984. During the 1984–85 season, Woolridge averaged 22.9 points per game and combined with rookie teammate Michael Jordan to average over 51 points per game. Prior to the Jordan era, Woolridge was one of the Chicago Bulls' marquee players along with Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore, Reggie Theus and David Greenwood. At 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) tall, and weighing 215 lb (98 kg), Woolridge was one of the most gifted dunkers in professional basketball. Woolridge was also one of the original alley-oop artists. Woolridge competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984 and 1985. He led the Chicago Bulls in scoring in 1986 and was the last player to lead in scoring before Jordan took over. While unstoppable on the open court, his one-dimensional play did not complement Jordan's skills.

In Their Own Story

During the 1984–85 season, Woolridge and rookie Michael Jordan combined to average over 51 points per game, a formidable scoring duo that electrified Chicago Stadium. Woolridge's 22.9 points per game that season made him a constant threat alongside the future legend. In 1986, he led the Bulls in scoring, becoming the last player to do so before Jordan took over that role for years to come. His ability to finish above the rim made him a fan favorite, and his participation in the 1984 and 1985 Slam Dunk Contests showcased his athleticism on a national stage. Though the Bulls struggled to make deep playoff runs during his tenure, Woolridge's individual brilliance provided a bright spot for the franchise during a transitional period.

Reader's Guide

Woolridge moved on to sign with the New Jersey Nets as a veteran free-agent on October 2, 1986 for the 1986–87 season, in which he averaged 20.7 points per game. After playing 19 games during the 1987–88 season, Woolridge was suspended by the league for violation of the league substance abuse policy. On August 10, 1988, he signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 11 points per game in two seasons and provided the Lakers consistent bench scoring around the basket. His 55.6% field goal percentage during the 1989–90 season ranked fifth in the league. Woolridge was traded for two second-round draft picks to the Denver Nuggets, which started playing an unusual hurry-up offense under head coach Paul Westhead in 1990–91. The prolific offense resulted in Woolridge's averaging 25.1 points per game and a career high 6.8 rebounds per game. Through most of the season until December, Woolridge led the NBA in scoring. That month, he was sidelined after eye surgery due to a detached retina during a game collision. He was third in the league averaging 29.0 points at the time. After his only season in Denver, Woolridge played with the Detroit Pistons during the 1991–92 season. He split the 1992–93 season between the Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks, and finished his NBA career at the end of the 1993–94 season where he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He held NBA career averages of 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He never won an NBA championship.

Did You Know?

• Woolridge was selected sixth overall in the 1981 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.
• He was named NBA Player of the Week on December 9, 1984.
• Woolridge competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984 and 1985.
• He led the Chicago Bulls in scoring in 1986.
• Woolridge's son, Renaldo, also became a professional basketball player.