Representing their country at the Olympics will certainly give some athletes a source of pride. After all, you’re playing at a high level while competing against the best of the best from other countries.
The United States has been dominant in the sport of basketball in an international setting, having won plenty of Olympic gold medals at the sport. Due to their continued success, a lot of people don’t necessarily take an Olympic gold medal as seriously as an NBA championship.
With that being said, Scottie Pippen views his gold medal with the United States as his “greatest achievement”. This was revealed when Scottie Pippen answered the Proust questionnaire for Vanity Fair. This is huge, coming from a player that won 6 NBA championships.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a member of the 1992 Dream Team. Representing the United States on a global stage with guys like Michael, Magic, and Larry was beyond special.
The 1992 Dream Team is known as one of the greatest collections of basketball talent on the same roster, featuring multiple all-time legends such as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and of course, Scottie Pippen himself. John Stockton has previously stated that even their opponents knew they couldn’t beat them, with the exception of star Drazen Petrovic. It was clear that there was no matching the talent on the team.
Scottie Pippen also had some intriguing responses to some other questions, revealing that his favorite hero is Superman and that he is a big admirer of former president Barack Obama.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Superman. I like the big S on his chest. It reminds me of myself!
What is your most treasured possession?
My college degree from the University of Central Arkansas.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Cooking dinner and hanging out with my kids.
What is your motto?
Be humble and be kind. Be grateful for your journey.
Which living person do you most admire?
Barack Obama.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Fine dining—I love great food, especially when it is complemented by great company.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Golf. I do shoot in the high 80s.
What is your greatest fear?
Being on a plane that is about to crash.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Only that I’m too recognizable. A little more anonymity on occasion would be nice.
The NBA is the best basketball league in the world, and certainly winning a championship is a huge achievement and something that can define a players’ career. However, there isn’t the same sense of patriotism that comes with winning at the Olympics.
It was certainly interesting to get an insight into Scottie Pippen’s mind, and it’s obvious that the NBA legend viewed representing his country as something to be extremely proud of.
