Michael Jordan’s docu-series, ‘The Last Dance’ is focusing on Scottie Pippen and his underpaid days in the Bulls in the recent episodes. Pippen had taken the decision to undergo foot surgery in October 1997 rather than postponing it to next summer. Michael Jordan opposed this move by Pippen in the last few episodes of his documentary. While viewers are glued to the series in no time, Steve Kerr argues against MJ’s statement.

Michael Jordan points fingers at Pippen

There was trade numerous rumors around Scottie Pippen in the 1997-98 season. Amidst all the chaos and Pippen himself wanting to move out of Bulls, he took this decision of foot surgery. Pippen admitted in the documentary that it was done to save himself from rehab time during the free agency period.

Scottie was considered the second-best NBA player of that time and he was sixth-highest paid in the Bulls roster. Many felt this was unfair on part of the management. The biggest ‘mistake’ that Jerry calls it as was the 7-year contract that Scottie signed for $18 million in 1991.

Well, many said it was a retaliation by Pippen in response to the underpaid contract. Michael Jordan clearly didn’t go with his decision. “Scottie was wrong in that scenario,” Jordan said in the second episode, “He could’ve got his surgery done as soon as the season was over and be ready for the season. What Scottie was trying to do was trying to force management to change his contract. And [owner Jerry Reinsdorf] was never going to do that.”

Steve Kerr says, “We felt his frustration”

Steve Kerr, the present coach for the Warriors and a former Bulls player in the 90s, disagrees with the comment by MJ. On ESPN ‘The Jump’, Steve mentioned how all the teammates were on Pippen’s side at that time and supported him for the same. “Everyone respected Scottie so much,” Kerr said. “We felt his frustration. He probably should have been the second-highest-paid guy in the NBA or definitely top-five. So we all felt for him, nobody resented him for having that surgery. Later, we all understood, let’s give him his space, and he’s going to be there for the second stretch of the season for us.”

It might be the highlight of Scottie’s career as it went on to be a good decision. Chicago Bulls were the NBA champions for the sixth time again and Pippen was traded to Houston Rockets next season.

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