6x NBA champ Scottie Pippen reflected on the new beginning without his key former teammates. A special reunion that could have taken place at the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor Ceremony. However, several circumstances prevented this from happening. Now, the 6x NBA champion, who has once openly expressed dissatisfaction with The Last Dance series, reflected on a unique moment in his career mourning his exit from the Bulls.

Looking back 24 years, Pippen reminisced about the time he played without key teammate Dennis Rodman. Another teammate missing was MJ. Taking to his X handle, Pippen shared a nostalgic picture from one of his matchups and wrote, “It was new beginnings but the love of the game never changed.”

The matchup dates back to February 1999. The image showed Pippen and Rodman standing next to each other. But they weren’t wearing the same Bulls jerseys. Pippen donned a Houston Rockets jersey, while Rodman sported an LA Lakers jersey. However, Jordan isn’t in the picture.

By this time, Jordan had already retired from the league after winning six championship titles. He retired for the second time on January 13, 1999 — a decision that might have been related to former Bulls coach Phil Jackson’s contract expiry.

In the same month, Scottie joined the Houston Rockets as a free agent. The former star rebounder had joined the Los Angeles Lakers later in February for a great deal. He played in 23 games for the franchise. This old image was likely taken during one of those games.

Perhaps this memory with Rodman resurfaced for Scottie Pippen as he gears up to launch a documentary on the 1990-91 championship year.

Dennis Rodman reveals that he never talked to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen 

The Worm’s reunion with Michael Jordan at the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team presentation was heartwarming as if two best friends had finally reconnected. While there was genuine warmth between them, it’s almost unbelievable that the two hardly spoke to each other during their playing days with the Chicago Bulls. 

Stories of Rodman spending time with Steve Kerr and others from the team exist. But there’s little about his relationship with the duo that dominated the ’90s. In a recent interview, Rodman even revealed that he never had an actual conversation with Pippen or Jordan apart from the game.

Pippen’s dissatisfaction and public criticism of The Last Dance series, and of Jordan himself, is well known. There was most certainly a tension felt in their friendship. Yet, if you ask Rodman, he believes the two will eventually reconcile. “So, I think Scottie’s a little bitter, and Michael’s more laid back and say, ‘Okay, like whatever,’ but they’re gonna work it out,” Rodman suggested. Surprising, right? Despite everything, the three shared an undeniable bond on the court.