Who was Jawann Oldham? Former Michael Jordan teammate passes away at 68

Jawann Oldham, a former NBA center, died Monday in Atlanta. He was 68. Seattle University, his alma mater, confirmed his passing. Oldham played alongside Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ early years. His name rarely appeared in headlines and public chatter; however, his impact was remarkable.Oldham spent four seasons with the Bulls during a turbulent period for the franchise. Chicago was searching for direction, stability, and identity. Oldham’s role on the court was modest, though his presence became a turning point in franchise history. A later trade involving Oldham set off a chain of events that helped the Bulls acquire Scottie Pippen. The move somewhat changed the NBA landscape.Jawann Oldham joined the Bulls ahead of the 1983–84 season and played 47 starts across four years. He averaged 4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds during that stretch and appeared in five playoff games. His strongest season came in 1985–86, when he averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and ranked sixth in the NBA in blocked shots. Playing with Jordan during those early seasons demanded resilience, patience, and professionalism.His departure from Chicago carried lasting consequences. When Oldham signed an offer sheet with the New York Knicks, the Bulls matched the deal before eventually trading him. In return, Chicago received a future first-round pick that became the No. 8 selection in the 1987 NBA Draft. That pick played a central role in the draft-night maneuvering that delivered Scottie Pippen to the Bulls.Former Bulls coach Doug Collins remembered Oldham fondly, calling him “A free spirit and a person who loved his life.” Bill Cartwright offered deeper insight into Oldham’s rare athleticism, saying, “Incredible, maybe the most balanced seven-foot guy I’ve ever seen,” while also noting, “He was primarily a defensive guy, blocked shots and rebounded and wasn’t a big scorer.”Oldham’s basketball life extended far beyond the NBA. Born in Chicago in 1957 and raised in Seattle, he starred at Cleveland High School on back-to-back state championship teams. Seattle University retired his jersey in 2011 after a college career that included 1,530 points and 965 rebounds.Drafted No. 41 overall by the Denver Nuggets in 1980, Oldham played 10 NBA seasons with eight teams, averaging 4.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. After leaving the league, he became a global ambassador for the sport. Oldham lived for years in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, founded basketball leagues in South Korea and China, and helped develop the game across Asia.The NBA acknowledged his passing, writing, “The NBA mourns the passing of Jawann Oldham (1957-2026)… We extend our deepest condolences to the Oldham family.” Oldham, who is survived by his daughter, Jasmine, created a void in the basketball circle.Also Read: What is Cameron Brink's favorite cheat meal? Los Angeles Sparks forward reveals secret behind maintaining athletic fitness