Will Perdue

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Perdue's path to the NBA started at Merritt Island High School in Florida, leading him to Vanderbilt University. There, he became a standout for the Commodores, earning third-team All-American honors and being named both Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and SEC Male Athlete of the Year in 1988. The Chicago Bulls selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft. During his time in Chicago, he primarily served as a backup to center Bill Cartwright. His role expanded significantly during the 1994–95 season when he became a regular starter, averaging 8.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. However, the emergence of Luc Longley made Perdue expendable before the next training camp, leading to his trade to the San Antonio Spurs for Dennis Rodman.

In Their Own Story

The turning point in Perdue's tenure with the Bulls came after the 1994–95 season. Following a year where he started regularly and posted solid numbers of 8.0 points and 6.7 rebounds, the team dynamics shifted with Luc Longley's arrival. Before the next training camp began, the Bulls executed a trade, sending Perdue to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Dennis Rodman. This move set the stage for his fourth championship. In August 1999, after winning the title with San Antonio, Perdue rejoined the Bulls as a free agent. During the 1999–2000 season, he started 15 of his 67 games, contributing 2.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. His final NBA stop was with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played 13 games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in just 4.5 minutes per contest.

Reader's Guide

For fans of the Bulls dynasty, Perdue's career highlights the value of depth and adaptability. Drafted 11th overall out of Vanderbilt in 1988, he spent his early years as a backup to Bill Cartwright before stepping into a starting role during the 1994–95 season. His statistical peak included averaging 8.0 points and 6.7 rebounds that year. Although traded to San Antonio for Dennis Rodman, he returned to Chicago in August 1999 as a free agent, playing one more season before finishing his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. Over thirteen seasons, Perdue maintained averages of 4.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, culminating in four championships that bookended his time in the league.

Did You Know?

• Perdue was named SEC Male Athlete of the Year in 1988 during his time at Vanderbilt.
• After leaving Chicago, he played his final 13 NBA games with the Portland Trail Blazers.
• Perdue served as a Studio analyst for NBC Sports Chicago until the channel closed in 2024.