On this day in Chicago Bulls’ history two things happened:

In 1994, the “Spirit” statue featuring Michael Jordan in the form of his signature dunk was unveiled outside the United Center.

And in 1986, Doug Collins became the head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

The Statue

Now a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the Windy City, the “Spirit” statue commemorates all of the G.O.A.T.’s achievements in a Bulls’ uniform and was actually outside of the arena during Chicago’s second run of three titles from ’96-’98.

How crazy (or awkward) would that be? To retire, have a statue built in your honor like you’re never coming back; then return with said statue of yourself looming over your work place.

Turns out, His Airness didn’t seem to mind.

True to the hard work and determination it takes to become the G.O.A.T., creating the statue was no easy feat. Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, along with three assistants worked 16-hours a day, seven days a week, for four months to complete the 12-foot, bronze work of art in a secret location known only to a few Bulls Executives.

Doug Collins

In four seasons with the Bulls, Collins amassed a record of 150-126 (including playoffs).

The Illinois native served the Bulls well in his short-lived tenure, however he was replaced with a relatively unknown coach by the name of Phil Jackson, who would go on to be the greatest champion of coaches to ever roam an NBA sideline.

Collins has since become one of the most beloved in game commentators ever and last coached the Philadelphia ’76ers from 2010-13.