Michael Jordan always had his teammates’ backs. Behind the tough exterior, he genuinely cared for his guys, looking out for them on and off the court. Take, for example, the end of the 1997 season. As recalled in Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made, His Airness was quite vocal about bumping up the salaries of his teammates Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen.
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Toward the end of the ’97 season, there was much debate about the future of the Chicago Bulls. A dynasty that had dominated the 1990s looked ready to come to an end thanks to the ego of one man: Bulls GM Jerry Krause, a man detested by franchise legends Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson.
Krause was ready to revamp the Bulls organization, much to Jordan’s distaste. The Zen Master’s departure from the team had been decided, and Scottie still hadn’t received a new contract. So, when a reporter approached him asking what he would do if he was in charge, MJ jokingly provided an answer. He would pay himself $50 Million, give Phil $50 Million, hand Scottie a cool $75 Million, and leave The Worm with $25 Million because of his tight budget.
“Just before the 1997 season had ended Jordan had joked with reporters that if he were in charge he would pay himself $50 million a year (a raise of some $20 million), Jackson $50 million, Pippen $75 million—a raise of some $72 million. Then he realized he had forgotten Rodman. ‘Dennis gets $25 million. He’s probably worth more, but my budget is really tight,’ Jordan said.”
Jordan clearly wanted to continue the legacy he had created alongside his teammates. He truly cared for them. However, things have changed in recent times, as they are now at each other’s throats.
Despite having a great teammate in Jordan, Scottie Pippen has lately been hating on the GOAT
Despite MJ’s brilliance as a teammate, it seems that Pippen harbors deep-seated resentment toward him. Scottie has been going at His Airness for quite some time now. Ever since the release of The Last Dance. The legendary forward believes he has not received enough credit for his contributions to the dynasty.
This, coupled with a number of recent occurrences, like the fact his ex-wife is dating Jordan’s son, makes it seem like their friendship is irreparable.
It is surprising and disheartening to witness Scottie Pippen’s recent expressions of animosity toward Michael Jordan, considering their historic partnership on the basketball court. It is a reminder that even the most successful collaborations can be marred by personal grievances, even among those who have achieved greatness side by side.
