Scottie Pippen’s appearance on the PBD Podcast reignited discussions about his brief and turbulent stint with the Houston Rockets during the 1998-99 lockout season. Pippen didn’t hold back when discussing his frustrations with Charles Barkley, pointing to Barkley’s lack of dedication as a significant reason for the Rockets’ failed campaign.
“I’m going be honest, my options weren’t that great because of the way that the CBA was set up. I had Phoenix but it was for less money… I think Philadelphia didn’t want to go play in a cold climate.”
“I showed no interest. I definitely wanted to be in a warm climate, and I saw Houston as an opportunity for me really to play with two veteran guys and that we could make something happen real quick, and it was the the lockout season but it was definitely shortlived.”
“In fact Charles started out working out with me and he was all dedicated and working out me and him. I took Grover down there and he lasted about a month… He wanted to enjoy his nightlife and our workouts was predicated on getting up in the morning and training before practice.”
After the Chicago Bulls dynasty disbanded in 1998, Scottie Pippen joined the Rockets in a sign-and-trade deal, signing a five-year, $67.2 million contract. The move paired him with two NBA legends: Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley. The expectation was that the trio could contend for a championship. However, the team’s performance and chemistry fell far short of those lofty aspirations.
Michael Jordan had previously warned Pippen about teaming up with Barkley, citing his work ethic and off-court priorities. Despite Jordan’s advice, Pippen joined Houston but soon realized the partnership wasn’t ideal.
The Rockets finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31-19 record, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Despite their veteran star power, the team struggled to gel, and their playoff run ended in the first round with a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Individually, Pippen had a solid season, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. However, these numbers were a noticeable dip from his production with the Bulls, reflecting his struggle to adapt to his new role. Barkley, on the other hand, averaged 16.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists but was visibly slower and less effective defensively compared to his prime.
The team’s chemistry issues and lack of cohesion were apparent throughout the season, as Barkley and Olajuwon, both past their prime, couldn’t sustain consistent dominance. Pippen’s frustrations culminated in a trade request, which ultimately sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers after just one season in Houston.
The failed Rockets experiment marked a low point in Pippen’s illustrious career. He remained unapologetic about his public criticism of Barkley. The animosity between the two lingered for years, fueled by Barkley’s disappointment over Pippen’s departure and Pippen’s dissatisfaction with Barkley’s work ethic.
The 1998-99 Houston Rockets serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of assembling star power without the right chemistry and dedication. Pippen’s candid remarks about Barkley highlight how internal dynamics can derail even the most promising teams. For Pippen, the brief stint in Houston was a regrettable chapter, and one he attributes in part to Barkley’s inability to match the commitment required to chase a championship.
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