Perennial loser Mike Dunleavy on first winning team in 12-year career
Mike Dunleavy is a loser no more.
With the Chicago Bulls having won their 42nd game of the season on Monday, they're assured, at worst, a 42-40 record. For the first time in his 12-year NBA career, Dunleavy is on a team that will finish the season with a record above .500.
"It shouldn't really be something I'm excited about after that long in the league," Dunleavy said. "But when you do it for the first time, you have an appreciation for it. It has been hard-earned.
"It's pretty odd. I would've never expected something like this to happen."
Dunleavy has made just one playoff appearance - a quick exit with the 37-45 Indiana Pacers in 2010-11. He'll make his second trip this season, with a far better chance at a second-round appearance.
Here is Dunleavy's year-by-year record (in 2006-07, he finished the year with Indiana after starting with Golden State, so the Pacers' record is used):
| Season | Team | W | L | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | Golden State | 38 | 44 | 0.463 |
| 2003-04 | Golden State | 37 | 45 | 0.451 |
| 2004-05 | Golden State | 34 | 48 | 0.415 |
| 2005-06 | Golden State | 34 | 48 | 0.415 |
| 2006-07 | Indiana | 35 | 47 | 0.427 |
| 2007-08 | Indiana | 36 | 46 | 0.439 |
| 2008-09 | Indiana | 36 | 46 | 0.439 |
| 2009-10 | Indiana | 32 | 50 | 0.390 |
| 2010-11 | Indiana | 37 | 45 | 0.451 |
| 2011-12 | Milwaukee | 31 | 35 | 0.470 |
| 2012-13 | Milwaukee | 38 | 44 | 0.463 |
| 2013-14 | Chicago | 42 | 32 | 0.568 |
| TOTAL | 12 Seasons | 430 | 530 | 0.448 |
Interestingly, Dunleavy has also never played for a really bad team, bottoming out at 32 wins.