The 2001–02 NBA season was the Bulls' 36th season in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Bulls re-acquired Charles Oakley from the Toronto Raptors. The Bulls struggled all season long finishing last place in the Central Division with a 21–61 record. Following the season, Oakley signed as a free agent with the Washington Wizards. (See 2001–02 Chicago Bulls season#Regular season)

In 2001-02, the make-up and direction of the Chicago Bulls changed significantly: by the season’s end, a pair of 18-year-old phenoms and an All-Star caliber player were in the line-up while Elton Brand, once thought to be the franchise’s cornerstone for rebuilding efforts, was not. The result was a renewed sense of optimism and hope surrounding the team’s future with Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry and Jalen Rose as the centers of attention.

It all began on the night of the 2001 NBA Draft, when the Bulls used their first-round pick, fourth overall, to select Thornwood High School’s Eddy Curry, a 6-11, 285-pound center. Minutes later, Chicago dealt Brand to the L.A. Clippers for Dominguez High School product Tyson Chandler (picked second overall) and Brian Skinner. Chicago also acquired one of the steals of the draft in Trenton Hassell out of Austin Peay in the second round.

With the addition of free agent Eddie Robinson (signed Aug. 7), the new look Bulls, a young and athletic squad, were ready to take the floor. The importance of having NBA experience was again displayed as the team struggled and finished the season 21-61. The beginning of the year was not pleasant for Chicago. The Bulls set a franchise record for worst loss with a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 8, Head Coach Tim Floyd, who compiled a 49-190 record over four seasons with the club, resigned on Christmas Eve. Bill Berry was named interim coach and four days later, Bill Cartwright was named head coach on Dec. 28.

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