Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan are arguably the greatest duos the NBA has ever seen. The two legends were absolutely great with the Chicago Bulls and now are regarded as the best Batman and Robin in history. We could discover more about their relationship on the Chicago Bulls’ docu-series The Last Dance, but at some points, it looked like Scottie was some kind of anti-hero for his actions in certain moments.
He recently had the chance to talk with Andrew Anthony of The Guardian, revealing how he felt with the way he was portrayed in the award-winning documentary. Pippen was a key piece for the Bulls’ success and Jordan didn’t hesitate to say that during his interventions. However, Pippen didn’t feel so good with the overall result, explaining that he felt it was more about MJ glorifying himself than anything else.
How accurate was the The Last Dance in showing what went on?
I don’t think it was that accurate in terms of really defining what was accomplished in one of the greatest eras of basketball, but also by two of the greatest players – and one could even put that aside and say the greatest team of all time. I didn’t think those things stood out in the documentary. I thought it was more about Michael trying to uplift himself and to be glorified [the series was co-produced by Jordan’s Jump 23 company]. I think it also backfired to some degree in that people got a chance to see what kind of personality Michael had.
Have you spoken to him about your opinion of series?
Yeah. I told him I wasn’t too pleased with it. He accepted it. He said, “Hey, you’re right”. That was pretty much it.
Scottie was one of the fiercest competitors of his time; he tried to do everything he could to win basketball games. When asked if he could replace competitiveness in his life, he was pretty clear.
I can say no, I don’t have to replace it. I can’t replace basketball. I can find things to fill a void in my life, to take up some time. I play golf, I still work out. But what I did in terms of my competitiveness – how can you keep that fire going? I can’t keep it going. Because it was not only me competing with you on the court but I was competing with you off the court. I felt like I was built stronger and more durable. It’s about being the last man standing at the end of the day.
Now he’s part of the greatest sports media companies, doing a terrific job. He’s focused on his job and spending time with his family.
What are your work plans for the future?
I don’t have many. I still work with ESPN and that’s pretty much it. Just kind of sitting back. I’ve got a son who plays at Vanderbilt University and two in high school. I’m kind of enjoying watching them grow.
Scottie has always been the same guy. The bound to earth man that fought until he found his way to college and then the NBA. He is one of the greatest players of all time, although he’s often overlooked. Plenty of fans feel TLD didn’t make justice to all the things he did for the Bulls and the players have the same feeling. Fortunately, Michael Jordan agreed to that, but nothing can be undone now.
