It’s hard to tell what separates the good players from the Great. Is it numbers, is it the eye test, or a different but intangible skill? In an interview with ESPN, Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen opened up on what he thinks about today’s generation of players. From LeBron James to Kobe Bryant, Pippen shared his thoughts on their playing styles and the mysterious “clutch gene.”

In this story, we discover what sets these players apart on the court and how Scottie compares them with Michael Jordan.

Scottie says LeBron James is “not what Michael was as a player”

Every player brings a unique approach to the game. They practice differently, work out differently and of course, lead their teams to differing levels of success. Despite all this, the benchmark for capital ‘g’ Greatness seems to be the six-time champion, Michael Jordan.

His all-NBA teammate, and now estranged friend, Scottie Pippen, spoke about His Airness and if modern players come close.

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Pippen didn’t hold back when discussing LeBron James. Despite breaking Kareem’s 40-year-old scoring record, Pippen sees The King as a different player to MJ.

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He remarked that while LeBron is undeniably a remarkable player, he falls short of reaching the heights set by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. “When I look at LeBron, he’s not what Michael was as a player,” Pippen said.

He further said that LeBron lacks the same instinct. He lacks the ability to take over games, and the fight to have the last shot. These are the characteristics that made Jordan a legend.

According to Pippen, Kobe Bryant possessed that “clutch gene” that separated him from other players.

Scottie Pippen gives Kobe Bryant his flowers

“Kobe has that gene,” Pippen stated. He went on to suggest that he sees traces of this clutch gene in current players like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. He further talks about how they exhibit similar willpower to win during crucial moments in games.

Scottie also admits that only a select few players are born with it.

During the interview, Pippen expressed his concern over The King‘s efforts during pivotal moments in games. He recalled watching a recent game where the outcome hung in the balance, yet LeBron appeared to make little or no effort to secure the ball.

Scottie Pippen’s candid remarks in his ESPN interview shed light on the complexities of basketball greatness. He made it clear that while LeBron James is undoubtedly an exceptional player, he possesses different strengths and qualities compared to basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Of course, this interview came out before the “Last Dance” documentary and Pippen’s feud around it. But Scottie’s insightful thoughts on the “clutch gene” give us a deeper appreciation for the unique qualities that make some players truly stand out on the court.

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