In the world of NBA history, certain players leave a lasting impact that resonates far beyond their playing days. Ed Nealy, despite only featuring in 85 career games with the Chicago Bulls, holds a unique place in the hearts of fans and the mind of Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson.
From the moment Ed Nealy stepped onto the court alongside the legendary Michael Jordan, his presence was felt. In the fall of 1988, while Doug Collins was Jordan’s coach, Nealy’s association with the Bulls began. Even as Jordan was forging his path to becoming an NBA icon, Nealy’s contribution started to make waves.
However, it was Nealy’s second time with the Bulls that truly solidified his legacy. Traded from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a second-round pick in October 1989, Nealy quickly earned the respect of Phil Jackson. With Michael Jordan leading a team on the brink of NBA greatness, Nealy’s insights became invaluable.
Jackson’s praise for Nealy was evident. As per the New York Times, he said: “Ed is intuitive, focuses on practices, and has become an adviser to our rookies”. Nealy’s dedication extended beyond the court; his commitment to the weight room provided him opportunities to mentor the rookies, sharing his wisdom and experience.
Interestingly, Jackson imagined a coaching career for Nealy once his playing days were over. He believed that the basketball IQ Nealy possessed could potentially transform into a successful head coaching role.
Ed Nealy is working as a car salesman after his days in the NBA
Nealy’s contributions were so profound that he found himself returning to the Bulls’ fold for a third time in 1993. That very season, Jordan secured his third consecutive NBA Finals victory. Amid this victory, Nealy managed to average 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in just 7.2 minutes per game.
Despite his limited playing time, Nealy’s influence extended far beyond the stat sheet. While he didn’t log a single minute during the 1993 playoffs, both Jackson and the Bulls believed in his potential to transition into a coaching role.
However, life often takes unexpected turns. Instead of pursuing a coaching career, Nealy found himself taking a different professional path – that of a car salesman. Alamo Toyota in San Antonio, Texas, became his new arena.
After his time at Kansas State, he emerged as the 166th overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, joining the Kansas City Kings. While he didn’t gain prominence as a starter, he became a respected presence on the bench for various teams, amassing a total of 540 regular-season NBA games.
Nealy left an unforgettable mark on the Chicago Bulls, contributing to the team’s storied legacy during the Jordan era. Ultimately, Nealy’s journey led him away from the world of basketball and into the realm of car sales.
While Phil Jackson guided stars like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to multiple championships, and Michael Jordan took on the role of an NBA team owner, Nealy embraced his new role with the same determination and spirit that defined his time on the court.
