Scottie Pippen’s career might have been one of the most underrated ones in the league’s history. Pippen played a crucial role in making the Bulls dynasty, winning six championships alongside Michael Jordan. However, it was MJ who received the limelight during this era. But once Jordan left the Bulls, Pippen was making millions. As he journeyed across the NBA he found a new idol, $40 Billion worth Paul Allen.
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After MJ left in 1998, Pippen was traded to the Rockets and then to the Trail Blazers in 1999. This was the first time Pippen earned a contract that suited his resume. When he was with the Trail Blazers, owner Paul Allen’s net worth had mesmerized Pippen. The Microsoft co-founder was worth $40 billion then and became the role model Pippen always wanted. He had the right formula to help Scottie become a billionaire. But it was a big ask.
Scottie Pippen had created a new role model for himself in Paul Allen. Pippen always wanted to be rich and seeing a billionaire like Paul Allen filled his head with dreams. His chances were never the same as Michael’s, given he could never land a good enough sporting deal or market himself.
Paul Allen’s aura had impressed Pippen. He seemed enthralled and intrigued with the net worth of the Microsoft co-founder. Speaking about the same, he revealed his appreciation in a Sports Illustrated interview.
“What does he have? Forty billion? I want to know: How can I make a billion? I just want one of them! What do I need to do? But I don’t want to approach him like that. I don’t want people coming up to me just for what I do, and I’m sure he doesn’t. So I have to let that relationship grow a little bit.
Like, win a championship, and then I can say, ‘Tell me how I can make a billion dollars. Tell me how I can become a billionaire.”
It had been only a few months since Scottie arrived in Portland from Houston. The legendary small forward was undermined since his Bulls days, having one of the lowest payrolls amongst NBA players. Perhaps, some advice from a multi-billionaire would have helped him reach his goal of becoming a billionaire, just like his former teammate Michael Jordan.
