‘Jordan Wouldn’t Win Any Championships Without Scottie’: Former NBA Star Explains Why Scottie Pippen Is Disrespected by NBA Fans

Scottie Pippen enjoyed a 17 year long NBA career with numerous achievements to his name. NBA fans often regard Scottie Pippen as one of the greatest small forwards of all time. He also played alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan in a dominant Chicago Bulls team. Pippen and the Bulls were instrumental in popularizing the NBA in various parts of the world.

Former NBA player Jalen Rose described how Pippen was the most disrespected player in the NBA. Jalen Rose made these comments on the ‘Jalen and Jacoby’ show on ‘ESPN’. Jalen said, “He is the most disrespected all-time great player in any sport that any game has seen. It is not even close. Michael Jordan wouldn’t win any championships without Scottie Pippen.”

“But let me tell you why the public gets to denounce the role of Scottie Pippen. Two reasons: One, we always want to give the best player all of the credit. [Michael Jordan is the best player] of all time. So we are gonna give him all the credit.”

He added saying, “Two: Unfortunately for Scottie when you look back at those championship runs. And this is the dubious thing I wanted to show you. He doesn’t have like the signature moment. Have you ever seen Scottie Pippen make a game winning shot? When you play with Michael Jordan, you don’t even get the chance to take the game-winning shot most of the time.”

Michael Jordan’s absence during his short-lived retirement led to Scottie Pippen emerging from the shadows as a key player for the Chicago Bulls. Bulls fans for the first time witnessed Pippen’s contributions to both the defensive and attacking end of the team. Pippen won six championships with the Bulls and was a seven-time NBA All-Star.

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Scottie Pippen’s legendary 1993-94 NBA season

Scottie Pippen was the Chicago Bulls talisman during the 1993-94NBA season in Michael Jordan’s absence. ‘His Airness’ had just announced his first retirement spell in 1993, citing his lost desire for basketball and fueled by the death of his father. While Jordan tried his hand at baseball, Pippen was handed the responsibility of carrying the Bulls team.

Pippen led the Bulls in scoring, assists, and blocks and also earned his first All-NBA First Team selection that season. He recorded his career-best season with this record and received an All-Star Game MVP honor. It was a momentous season for Pippen as he showcased his abilities without Michael Jordan at the helm.

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