After the Stags who played in the NBA from 1946-1950 and the Packers/Zephyrs who played 1961-1963 failed in Chicago the NBA was hopeful that the third time would be the charm when the Bulls took the court in 1966. The Bulls got off to a solid start when they beat the St.

Louis Hawks 104-97 on the road. The Bulls would continue to play solid basketball as they won their first two home games against Western Conference Powerhouses San Francisco Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers for a 3-0 start.

The first year Bulls would go on to finish with a 33-48 record, the best for a first year team, making the playoffs as Coach Johnny Kerr won Coach of the Year honors. However, in the playoffs the Bulls would be swept in three straight games by the St.

Louis Hawks.