Scottie Pippen, one of the all-time great Chicago Bulls, yet so underrated by many.
His accolades include being a six-time NBA champion, seven-time All Star, seven-time All NBA team, ten-time All defensive team, Hall of Famer, and his number being retired by the Chicago Bulls.
Pippen served as a superstar to play alongside the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan.
His length and wingspan made him one of the greatest defenders and rebounders at his position. He would often guard the opponent’s best player, and shut down some of the league’s best offensive talents.
Without Michael Jordan in 1993-94, Scottie Pippen led Chicago to the Eastern Conference Finals, falling tantalisingly short in game seven. He came third in MVP voting that season, averaging 22 points, 8.7 rebounds and over 38 minutes a game.
Perhaps his greatest moment as a player was in game six of the 1992 NBA Finals against the Portland Trailblazers. Down 15 in the fourth quarter, Pippen and Chicago’s bench went on a 14-2 run before Michael Jordan and the remaining starters re-entered the game, sealing the NBA championship.
Pippen showed his true value as a teammate in perhaps the most iconic photo in NBA history.
In game five of the 1997 NBA Finals, Scottie Pippen carried an exhausted and ill Michael Jordan to Chicago’s bench. Pippen showed his class and dedication to his team, and Chicago went on to win the championship that season.
Pippen was a member of the 1992 USA dream team who won gold at the Olympics, and also won gold in 1996. Not many fans today recognise Pippen as a superstar in his own right, but that is exactly what he was.
His class and defensive ability is unparalleled since his retirement, and his number is deservedly hanging in the rafters at the United Centre.
Johnno
Guest
Oh please. Socttie Pippen was paid the respect he deserved. He wasn't an all time top 10 player ever, maybe top 20. He did nothing when he got traded to Houston/Protland and he wasnt old either, 33 is not old in basketball terms so you can drop that excuse. He was a very good player, but not an all time great. Same goes for Regie Miller/John Stockton, both got the respect they deserved. Dennis Rodman and James Worthy for me are 2 guys who were underrated and this article would be more apt for. Kevin McHale gets forgotten about soemtimes in all time greats as does Bill Walton but both were all time greats, better than Pippen ever was. Ralph Sampson(other member of twin towers at rockets with Hakeem), Mark Price and Sabonis was underrated to. But not Pippen. please. He was well aprreciated.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Pro
Nice! Good stuff!
Swampy
Guest
@@@http://www.thesportsfanjournal.com/sports/basketball/scottie-pippen-patrick-ewing-dunk/ Nice 20 year anniversary piece...
Justin Ahrns
Roar Pro
Yeah.. refs did kill Scottie's Bulls! He's one of the all-time greats in my opinion!
Justin Ahrns
Roar Pro
Certainly a tough team to score on. As the saying goes.. defence wins championships!
OJP
Guest
over Ewing Swampy? That was pretty epic and yes, they were robbed by Hue Hollins !
Swampy
Guest
Well laid out. It's so hard to measure how great Pippen was as he played alongside the GOAT. Add to that how he got to the NBA - he was never a star at high school and was a walk-on to a tiny local college. The fanfare just never solely focussed on him accept for that one season where he just about dragged the Bulls to the NBA finals without MJ (the Bulls were ripped off by the officiating too - not that I'm bitter). Pippen's resume looks amazing but even then you have to remember who else he played with. Regardless, he does in my view, own the greatest in your face dunk of all time.
joe
Guest
Great all round player & defensively was so long & with him ,Jordan & Rodman in that second Chicago 3-peat, the Bulls had 3 of the best defenders in the NBA on same team