The Chicago Bulls are arguably the best dynasty in NBA history, certainly the most dominant one in modern history, and Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen played a large part in making that a reality. The duo won a threepeat together and then was joined by Dennis Rodman for another threepeat 2 years after that. Both Pippen and Jordan were known for their defense, but Rodman excelled at it almost exclusively, while also being the best rebounder in the league.
When people talk about the Bulls, Jordan is always mentioned first, Pippen most often is mentioned second and Rodman is mentioned third. However, NBA analyst Colin Cowherd has suggested that when it came to the defensive aspect of the game, it was about Jordan and Rodman more than it was about Jordan and Pippen (via Sportskeeda).
“If you ask people, and I’ve talked to players about this through the years, who faced the Bulls. It was Jordan and not Pippen, it was Jordan and Rodman. Magic will tell you, Rodman was completely annoying. Jordan was on another galaxy. Pippen would get his 18. It was Rodman’s ability to disrupt and discombobulate a Laker, Piston, Celtic offense that he was totally undervalued.”
Rodman was one of the players that gave Jordan and Pippen trouble when he was part of the Bad Boy Pistons first, but eventually became a large factor in their winning. Considering that he was known most for his defense and hustle plays, it’s not surprising to hear this take from an analyst.
Pippen, who has often felt disrespected for his part in the Bulls dynasty and for good reason at times, is unlikely to be amused by this though. As a playmaker and defender, Scottie is one of the greatest, and it does feel like he gets discounted in these takes quite often. One way or another, it’s safe to say that the second threepeat would never have occurred without all 3 Bulls’ stars.
