Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan have been one of the vital dominant duos on the basketball court docket and, collectively, they led the Chicago Bulls to 6 championship wins in the course of the ‘90s. Lately, followers have acquired a bit extra perception into the off-court relationship between the 2 males, with Pippen revealing they “by no means have been nice mates.” The hall-of-fame small ahead reiterated that sentiment throughout a latest interview. He additionally mentioned the place he now stands with Jordan following the controversy over the docuseries The Final Dance.
For individuals who aren’t within the know, Scottie Pippen initially claimed he wasn’t upset over the beforehand talked about ESPN restricted collection, which Michael Jordan’s media firm had editorial management over. Nevertheless, Pippen later shared blunt ideas on the Emmy-winning, 10-part present in his 2021 memoir, Unguarded, and proceeded to bash Jordan. Pippen shared extra tempered ideas on his former teammate (in addition to their coach, Phil Jackson) when he sat down with Marca to debate the sport of basketball:
It was by no means a really shut relationship. However after we performed, we had nice chemistry. That is the way in which this enterprise is. Similar with Phil Jackson. We’re not shut mates anymore. That is life, issues change.
Pippen beforehand accused MJ of utilizing his firm’s editorial management to make the doc extra about himself and never as a lot about his teammates. Some time later, Pippen known as Jordan a “horrible” participant, who has supposedly had a unfavourable influence on the way in which basketball is now performed. Many have since criticized the Arkansas native’s remarks, together with Charles Barkley, who accused Pippen of “big-game searching” to promote his ebook. Earlier than his demise, even Jerry West additionally expressed disapproval and confusion over the critiques.
Regardless of the unfavourable feedback he shared, Scottie Pippen additionally praised His Airness on a number of events. In 2022, Pippen was requested if he’d ever play with Michael Jordan once more, and he flat-out stated he would play “with solely” Jordan. Pippen complimented Jordan once more in early 2024 when he talked about the 5 NBA MVP awards he gained over the course of his profession. Whereas Pippen stated it “was all led to from us being profitable as a workforce,” he additionally admitted Jordan was the “best participant” in basketball.
The Jordan/Pippen relationship stays on the rocks, although, based mostly on the latter’s latest feedback. All of the whereas, different folks have expressed their hope that the 2 males may discover some frequent floor and reconcile. One in every of their former teammates, Craig Hodges, shared such sentiments, as he reasoned that everybody is now “too grown for that shit.” Fellow Bulls alum Dennis Rodman additionally expressed hope that his two former on-court companions would bury the hatchet.
As time continues to move, my optimism over the probabilities of Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan making amends dwindles. Extra stunning developments have unfolded, although, and a kumbaya second might not be completely out of the query. However, for now, it appears Jordan and Pippen – two of the 75 best basketball gamers of all time – will stay estranged.
Those that’d wish to see the formidable Chicago Bulls duo at their greatest can try The Final Dance. A Netflix subscription is what’s wanted with a purpose to stream the manufacturing