```

[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 266 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

104th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 266

    To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1996 National 
Basketball Association Championship and proving themselves to be one of 
                     the best teams in NBA history.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 18, 1996

 Ms. Moseley-Braun (for herself and Mr. Simon) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
    To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1996 National 
Basketball Association Championship and proving themselves to be one of 
                     the best teams in NBA history.

Whereas the Chicago Bulls at 72-10, posted the best regular season record in the 
        history of the National Basketball Association;
Whereas the Bulls roared through the playoffs, sweeping the Miami Heat and 
        defeating the New York Knicks in five games, before sweeping the Orlando 
        Magic to return to the NBA Finals for the first time in two years;
Whereas the Bulls displayed a potent offense, and what some consider to be their 
        best defense ever, throughout the playoffs before beating the Seattle 
        Supersonics to win their fourth franchise NBA championship;
Whereas head coach Phil Jackson, who won his first Coach of the Year award, and 
        the entire coaching staff skillfully led the Bulls through a record 72-
        win season and a 15-3 playoff run;
Whereas Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman all were named to the 
        NBA's ``All-Defensive Team'', the first time in 13 years that three 
        players from the same team have been so named;
Whereas Michael Jordan, in his first full season after coming out of retirement, 
        won his record eighth scoring title, his fourth Most Valuable Player 
        award, and was again named playoff most valuable player (for the fourth 
        time);
Whereas Scottie Pippen again exhibited his outstanding offensive and defensive 
        versatility, proving himself to be one of the best all-around players in 
        the NBA;
Whereas the quickness, tireless defensive effort, and athleticism of the 
        colorful Dennis Rodman, who won his fifth straight rebounding title, 
        keyed a Bulls front line that lead the league in rebounding;
Whereas veteran guard Ron Harper, in shutting down many of the league's top 
        point guards throughout the playoffs, demonstrated the defensive skills 
        that have made him a cornerstone of the league's best defense;
Whereas center Luc Longley frustrated many of the all-star caliber centers that 
        he faced in this year's playoffs while at times providing a much needed 
        scoring lift;
Whereas Toni Kukoc, winner of the league's ``Sixth Man'' award, displayed his 
        awesome variety of offensive skills in both assisting on, and hitting, 
        several big shots when the Bulls needed them most;
Whereas the laser-like three-point shooting of career three-point field goal 
        percentage leader Steve Kerr sparked many a Bulls rally;
Whereas the outstanding shooting of Jud Buechler and Bill Wennington, and the 
        tenacious defense of Randy Brown, each of whom came off the bench to 
        provide valuable contributions, were an important part of each Bulls 
        victory;
Whereas John Salley and James Edwards provided valuable contributions throughout 
        the season and the playoffs, both on and off the court, at times giving 
        the Bulls the emotional lift they needed; and
Whereas the regular season contributions of second year forward Dickey Simpkins 
        and rookie forward Jason Caffey, and the constant emotional lift 
        provided by the injured Jack Haley, both on the court and in practice, 
        again demonstrated the total devotion of Bulls personnel to the team 
        concept that has made the Bulls into one of the most devastating 
        basketball forces of modern times: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Chicago Bulls on 
winning the 1996 National Basketball Association championship.
                                 <all>
```