"Good guy, dominant center" – Charles Oakley shows respect to Bulls legend Artis Gilmore

The entire history of the Chicago Bulls has frequently revolved around the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson. We cannot change this, as these notable players laid the foundations of the franchise's current identity. 

We also cannot blame the regular fans for just only being knowledgeable about these Hall of Famers who were important elements of the Bulls' storied past.

But as it is, only real ones know the seven-foot-tall, afro-rocking Artis Gilmore who once graced the hardwood as the Bulls' centerpiece. While many aren't entirely aware of how good Artis was, Charles Oakley is meanwhile surely enlightened of his greatness and might.

A great player on and off the court

Artis played six seasons for the Bulls but spent his final run with the franchise in the first portion of the 1987-88 season. From there, he was able to share the court with the team's promising nucleus in Jordan, Pippen, Horace Grant, and Oakley.

Already 38 years old in that season, Gilmore was basically on the last leg of his illustrious basketball career. But despite this, the young Oakley was truly in awe of how massive, nice, and great the old man was.

“Artis Gilmore just wanna shake your hand and smile. Tall seven-footer, I played with him in Chicago, he was a good guy. He was just a dominant center inside,” Oakley said of Gilmore.

The A-Train: A Bulls legend

Interestingly, Chicago hasn't retired his No. 53 jersey yet. It stands as blasphemy, considering the dominance that he embodied when he was still a Bull.

While he was much prominent in his superstar days in the ABA, Artis still managed to create some noise when he shifted to the NBA by landing in the Bulls. From 1976 to 1982, he was an absolute standout and a two-way beast inside the paint, which allowed him to snag four All-Star selections. 

During the 1977-78 season, he was a force with averages of 22.9 points, 13.1 boards, 3.2 assists, 2.2 blocks, and shot 55.9 percent from the field for a full 82 games.