The basketball world is mourning the loss of Jawann Oldham, a former NBA centre whose quiet career had an outsized impact on the league's history. Oldham passed away on Monday in Atlanta at the age of 68, as confirmed by his alma mater, Seattle University.
The Unassuming Bull Who Changed Franchise Destiny
While his name seldom dominated headlines, Jawann Oldham's tenure with the Chicago Bulls during their formative years proved to be a pivotal chapter. He joined the franchise ahead of the 1983–84 season, a period marked by turbulence as the team searched for an identity. Over four seasons, Oldham played in 47 starts, averaging 4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds and appearing in five playoff games.
His most productive season came in 1985–86, where he posted averages of 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds while ranking an impressive sixth in the entire NBA for blocked shots. During these early years, he shared the court with a young Michael Jordan, a role that demanded immense professionalism and resilience.
The Trade That Reshaped the NBA Landscape
Oldham's true legacy, however, is cemented by the chain of events triggered by his departure from Chicago. When he signed an offer sheet with the New York Knicks, the Bulls matched the deal but later traded him. This transaction gifted Chicago a future first-round draft pick.
That pick, which became the No. 8 selection in the 1987 NBA Draft, was the central asset in a draft-night manoeuvre that ultimately delivered Scottie Pippen to the Bulls. This move was instrumental in building the dynasty that would dominate the 1990s.
Former Bulls coach Doug Collins remembered Oldham as "a free spirit and a person who loved his life." Teammate Bill Cartwright highlighted his rare athleticism, stating, "Incredible, maybe the most balanced seven-foot guy I’ve ever seen... He was primarily a defensive guy, blocked shots and rebounded and wasn’t a big scorer."
A Global Basketball Ambassador
Oldham's contribution to basketball extended far beyond his 10-season NBA career, during which he played for eight teams and averaged 4.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Born in Chicago in 1957 and raised in Seattle, he was a high school star before a standout college career at Seattle University, where he scored 1,530 points and grabbed 965 rebounds, leading to his jersey retirement in 2011.
After his playing days, Oldham became a true global ambassador for the sport. He lived for years in the Middle East, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and went on to found basketball leagues in South Korea and China, playing a crucial role in developing the game across Asia.
The NBA officially acknowledged his passing, stating, "The NBA mourns the passing of Jawann Oldham (1957-2026)... We extend our deepest condolences to the Oldham family." He is survived by his daughter, Jasmine, leaving behind a legacy that bridges eras and continents.
