In his memoir Unguarded, NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen made headlines with a bold statement, declaring himself the Chicago Bulls’ best “all-around” player, even surpassing Michael Jordan in that regard. While Pippen acknowledged Jordan’s unmatched scoring ability, he emphasized his own importance as the facilitator and defensive anchor that helped create the team’s winning culture.
Pippen, known for his versatility and leadership on both ends of the floor, explained his perspective, stating: “Before you jump down my throat, let me explain. I mean player, not scorer, and there is a big difference.” He described himself as the one who made everyone else better, comparing his role to Magic Johnson’s with the Lakers. Pippen’s ability to orchestrate the offense and anchor the defense, he argues, was central to the Bulls’ championship success.
Pippen’s Dominance Without Jordan
When Jordan temporarily retired in 1993, Pippen led the Bulls to a 55-27 record in the 1993-94 season, proving his worth as a leader. He posted impressive numbers, averaging 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game, and finished third in MVP voting. The Bulls advanced to the second round of the playoffs, demonstrating Pippen’s capability to keep the team competitive without Jordan’s presence.
The Dynamic Between Pippen and Jordan
Pippen didn’t shy away from pointing out the differences between his leadership style and Jordan’s. While Jordan was known for his tough love approach, Pippen saw himself as more of an encouraging teammate. “I was a much better teammate than Michael ever was,” Pippen wrote. He emphasized that while Jordan berated teammates, he offered them support and helped them believe in themselves.
Scottie Pippen Declares Himself Bulls’ Best ‘All-Around Player’ Over Michael Jordan.
A Disagreement Over Leadership
One of the central tensions between Pippen and Jordan seems to stem from their differing views on leadership. In The Last Dance documentary, Jordan justified his harsh treatment of teammates as necessary for building mental toughness. However, Pippen criticized this approach, arguing that the team won despite Jordan’s berating, not because of it. This contrast in leadership styles has fueled ongoing debate about who truly was the better leader.
Pippen and Jordan’s Legacy with the Bulls
Despite their differences, Pippen and Jordan’s partnership resulted in six NBA championships and an unprecedented 6-0 record in the Finals. Their success defined the Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s, with both players bringing unique strengths to the table. While Jordan was the scoring powerhouse, Pippen’s versatility, defense, and playmaking played an essential role in their dominance.
Pippen’s claims continue to stir discussion about the Bulls’ legacy, but one thing is undeniable: together, they created one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.