Chicago's best player before Michael Jordan got his career ruined because of drug abuse: "It's just a sad story"

Before Michael Jordan became the undisputed superstar of the Chicago Bulls , Orlando Woolridge was the team's standout player. He was capable of finishing high-flying dunks and scoring 15-17 points per game. Though after MJ's arrival, 'Tree' never received the same spotlight, he still averaged 21.3 points over the two seasons alongside him, something that became forgotten over the years.

Critics may downplay Orlando's potential, ceiling how he never logged an All-Star selection against his name, and how he was out of the league at the age of 24, but his former teammate - John Paxson knew the importance Woolridge held for the Bulls teams. Despite being involved in a substance abuse case, the 6'9" forward was among the most talented players in the league.

Woolridge was very talented

When Jordan came into the league in the 1984-85 campaign, Woolrdige emerged as the perfect forward to be placed alongside him, helping Mike spend more time on the ball and also co-existing perfectly as a solid 1-2 scoring punch. Even though Chicago got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs that year, Woolridge and MJ combined to average more than 51 points per game.

While the world was fixated on the 1985 ROY's highlighted-reel plays, Paxson understood Wooldridge's true value to the team. He emphasized how, from an early age, the Notre Dame prodigy was a dominant force around the rim and only improved his ferocity in the NBA.

"Obviously, he was very, very talented," John said . "He had strength and athleticism as a player. When we played together at Notre Dame, with his athleticism as a point guard, I always felt I could throw the ball anywhere near the rim, and he was able to catch it and do something with it."

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Paxson knew Woolridge faced his struggles in life

Despite his immense talent on the court, Woolridge struggled to maintain his focus. He was suspended in 1987 for violating the league's substance abuse policy (cocaine issues) and spent time in a treatment facility. When he returned to the league, Obocop had the best season of his career in 1990-91, averaging 25.1 points per game with the Denver Nuggets, though his achievements went largely unnoticed. For Paxson, however, Orlando's struggles off the court did not diminish his recognition of his former teammate's caliber and talent.

"It's just a sad story because, at his core, Orlando was a good guy who liked to laugh and have fun, but everyone knows the demons he battled throughout his life . We're all human beings, all have weaknesses, but he still had a very, very good career."

After his playing days were over, the Louisiana native dealt with serious heart problems, suffering two heart attacks in a short span. Sadly he passed away at the age of 52.

So while a lot of fans never truly recognized or acknowledged Woolridge's greatness, Paxson knew that his former teammate remained one of the most underrated players. And even though he did get involved in a substance abuse case, his talent or merits could never be diminished.

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