BY JONAS TERRADO
Two members of the last Chicago Bulls team Michael Jordan led to the NBA championship served as PBA imports during the tailend of their respective basketball careers.
Scott Burrell and Dickey Simpkins were among the less-heralded players of the 1998 Bulls, the subject of the much-anticipated ESPN 30 for 30 documentary series that premieres Sunday night in the United States (early-Monday Philippine time).
Burrell suited up for Red Bull Barako during the 2003 Reinforced Conference while Simpkins reinforced Alaska two years later in the Fiesta Conference.
“He was the closest that I can get from Michael Jordan. He has so many stories to share,” recalled Phoenix Super LPG assistant coach Topex Robinson, a backup point guard for that Red Bull team handled by Yeng Guiao.
“It’s always been pretty cool to remember and think that I was a former teammate if a guy who played with Jordan during their championships,” said Alaska mentor Jeffrey Cariaso, who made his way back to the Aces in a trade from the Coca-Cola Tigers months before Simpkins’ arrival.
Burrell was the first ex-Bull to make the Philippines as one of the final stops of a pro-career that started in 1993 when he was chosen 20th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Draft.
Following a brief stay with the Golden State Warriors in 1997, Burrell was traded to the Bulls in exchange for Simpkins, who had just savored his second straight title albeit in a minor role.
He produced 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds while playing an average of 13.7 minutes in 80 games before appearing in all 21 playoff matches that ended with the Bulls beating the Utah Jazz in the Finals.
Five years later, Burrell, who at the time was 31 years old, accepted an offer to replace Rammel Lloyd as Red Bull’s import in the import-laden conference.
True to his billing, Burrell averaged 16.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.2 blocks in 13 games, per PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon. Red Bull went 11-2 to tie Coca-Cola for the best record in the eliminations but was axed by Talk ’N Text in the quarterfinals.
Despite missing out on the championship, Robinson felt that Burrell left a good lasting impression.
“As a teammate, he brought with him his professionalism,” said Robinson. “Never had an issue with him at all. Fun to be with and a winner.
What also struck Robinson was that Burrell “is just so composed. He had no hesitation on his moves.”
The player the Bulls had to give up to get Burrell wound up returning to the Windy City as Simpkins signed a league minimum after being cut by the Warriors in Feb. 1998.
The 6-foot-9 Simpkins played 21 games and averaged of 3.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 21 games before making 13 appearances for the Bulls in the playoffs.
Simpkins was 33 when he replaced Leon Derricks after the Aces struggled to a 1-3 start in the Fiesta Conference. After initial reservations, Cariaso became marveled at his ability to carry the team.
“When I first found out we were getting Dickey, my first question was how old is this guy?” Cariaso said with a laugh. “I knew he was an NBA vet of course, but I also rem he wasn’t that young. This is one example of the saying, ‘Age is just a number.’”
Simpkins donned the Alaska jersey for 19 games and posted 23.2 points, 17.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 blocks, according to Mangonon. His presence also benefited the league as far as Cariaso is concerned.
“Dickey was perfect for the PBA regardless of the mileage,” he said. “He was perfect for us. His experience and skills helped improve our team so much. He was a true leader and most importantly, Dickey knew to win. He understands what it takes. He was a total team player.”
It also made things easier for then-Alaska coach Tim Cone, a disciple of Triangle Offense invented by Bulls assistant Tex Winter and ran by coach Phil Jackson.
“Since we were running the triangle, Dickey fit right in,” Cariaso said. “At times, he was the one giving us pointers on movements and actions. Our bigs benefited so much practicing with him. They were able to watch his demeanor and calmness as he executed the triangle. In reality, he taught all of us and implemented our knowledge of the offense.”
Behind Simpkins, Alaska able to finish the elims in third at 11-7 and opened the playoffs by beating Coca-Cola in the wild card phase. The Aces’ run, however, was cut short in the quarterfinals when they lost to Red Bull on a last-second three by Bryan Gahol in the deciding third game.
Beside those on-court memories, Cariaso remembers how Simpkins offered plenty of insights about those Bulls teams that, to this day, continues to capture the imagination of sports fans.
“Dickey did share many stories while he was a Chicago Bull,” said Cariaso. “He told us all about the different personalities of some of the players. He would tell us stories about things that happen on the plane, in the locker room, or even at practice.
“Dickey was pretty good in sharing, what he could, and answering all of our questions. We being his teammates, you know we had many questions,” he added.
Cariaso, however, opted to keep those stories confidential. But that may no longer be the case by the time the documentary comes out.
