When Scottie Pippen joined the Bulls in 1987, he quickly developed remarkable chemistry with Michael Jordan. Prior to Pippen’s arrival, despite having Jordan, the Bulls struggled to achieve significant success. It was the partnership between Pippen and Jordan that truly elevated the team’s prospects in the playoffs. As a result, they reached the 1991 NBA Finals and triumphed over the Lakers with a 4-2 victory. However, Pippen’s contributions in the Bulls were often overshadowed by Jordan’s immense legacy. This might explain why Pippen didn’t harbor much dissatisfaction when Jordan first retired in 1993.
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Scottie Pippen’s numbers steadily improved since his draft, going from 7.9 PPG in his rookie year to over 21.0 points and 7.0 assists in the 1991-92 season. He became the force the Bulls needed. During their first threepeat in 1993, Pippen averaged 16.1 points and 5.2 assists. With Jordan’s departure, Pippen had a chance to display his leadership skills.
Michael Jordan’s first retirement gave Scottie Pippen a chance to show his leadership abilities
Pippen’s frustration in living under Jordan’s shadow was evident. He aspired to be a leader in the locker room, on par with Jordan. Pippen firmly believed that his contributions played a significant role in Chicago’s initial three consecutive championships. When Jordan announced his retirement in 1993, ESPN reported one of Pippen’s famous remarks, stating:
“All I know is I’m getting his locker. It’s the greatest promotion I’ve ever had. Michael, I love you, but I’m glad to see you go.”
Following Jordan’s departure, Scottie Pippen showcased his best form, as Dennis Rodman later acknowledged. Pippen’s impressive statistics included an average of 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the 1993-94 season, leading the Bulls to the 1994 Playoffs.
Unfortunately, the Bulls suffered a defeat in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, losing in seven games to the New York Knicks. Pippen’s leadership qualities were becoming familiar in the Chicago locker room, with many recognizing his facilitative approach, which differed from Michael Jordan’s style.
However, MJ eventually returned from retirement in 1995, sparking the formation of a new Bulls dynasty. Together with Pippen and Dennis Rodman, Jordan led the team to a second three-peat, solidifying their dominance in the league.
Pippen realized the Bulls weren’t winning without MJ
Scottie Pippen thrived with the Bulls, but the absence of Jordan left the team incomplete. In a game during the 1995 season, Pippen pointed to his Jordan shoes and the Jumpman logo on national television. This gesture sparked speculation, with some interpreting it as a hint towards Jordan’s retirement, while others believed Pippen was expressing a desire for MJ’s return.
Jordan’s influence on the Bulls and their six championships was undeniable. However, his final retirement in 1998 marked the end of the franchise’s golden era. Dennis Rodman departed as a free agent, while Pippen and Steve Kerr were traded in exchange for draft picks.
