Richard Klein

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Klein's impact began immediately after the 1966 NBA expansion draft. He assembled a roster under head coach Johnny "Red" Kerr that defied expectations for an expansion team. In their inaugural 1966–67 season, the Bulls played their first game on October 15, securing an upset victory over the St. Louis Hawks. They finished with a 33–48 record, the best performance by any expansion team in NBA history at that time, and became the first to qualify for the playoffs. Klein's leadership saw guards Guy Rodgers and Jerry Sloan named All-Stars while Kerr earned Coach of the Year honors. However, fan interest waned as attendance dropped significantly; one game in 1967–68 drew only 891 fans. In response, Klein hired Pat Williams in 1969, a move that revitalized the franchise with key roster changes and the introduction of the first mascot, Benny the Bull.

In Their Own Story

Under the guidance of Dick Klein's initial management and later Pat Williams' influence alongside head coach Dick Motta, the Bulls found their footing. The team made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, highlighted by a franchise-record 57 wins in 1972. Key players like Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Chet Walker, and Norm Van Lier carried this success to the conference finals in both 1973–74 and 1974–75. Despite these achievements on the court, the business side shifted dramatically when Klein resigned as general manager in 1969 and eventually sold the team to the Wirtz family. This transition occurred after a period where Williams left for Philadelphia and Motta took on dual roles as coach and GM, leading to a steep performance decline culminating in a 24–58 season in 1975–76.

Reader's Guide

Dick Klein's tenure defines the franchise's origin story. To understand the Bulls' early identity, one must recognize his role in selecting Johnny "Red" Kerr as the first coach and navigating the team through its rookie year. His decision to hire Pat Williams in 1969 proved crucial for stabilizing attendance and introducing the team's first mascot. Klein's unique status as a former professional player (Chicago American Gears) remains a singular fact in Bulls ownership history. Fans should note that while he laid the foundation for the 57-win season of 1972, his direct management ended before the Wirtz family acquired the team, setting the stage for the eras that followed.

Did You Know?

• Dick Klein was the only owner in Bulls history to have played professional basketball.
• The Bulls became the first and only expansion team to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season (1966–67).
• Klein hired Pat Williams in 1969, who introduced the franchise's first mascot, Benny the Bull.
• Under Klein's initial leadership, the Bulls set a record with 57 wins in the 1972 season.