- Jordan admits overshadowing Pippen
- MJ said Pippen’s recognition is long overdue
- Jordan’s stardom eclipsed Pippen’s brilliance
Michael Jordan, often dubbed the greatest basketball player of all time, admitted that his colossal fame and prowess on the court unintentionally overshadowed Scottie Pippen, his long-time Chicago Bulls teammate:
“You know when I was here before I retired, I overshadowed Scottie a lot, you know, and he didn’t get the recognition that he truly, truly deserved.”
“He’s matured since I’ve been around and when I stepped away, he matured even more because he understood what I was shielding him from. You know, the pressure and the press and the expectations.”
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Jordan’s candid admission draws attention to the dynamic duo that dominated the NBA in the 1990s. While his scoring and game-winning shots frequently grabbed headlines, Pippen’s all-round skills—be it defense, playmaking, or scoring—were the silent engine behind the Bulls’ dynasty.
However, the spotlight, more often than not, was singularly focused on Jordan. The narrative, dominated by Jordan’s heroics, often pushed Pippen’s excellence to the footnotes.
Jordan’s acknowledgment of this unintentional oversight is significant. It not only highlights Pippen’s value but also underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of team members who, despite their brilliance, may not always be in the limelight.
In the grand tapestry of basketball history, while Jordan’s name might shine a tad brighter, it’s essential to remember that stars like Pippen illuminated the path to those six championships just as intensely.
Michael Jordan vs. Scottie Pippen: Career Earnings
In the realm of basketball, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s names are synonymous with the Chicago Bulls’ 90s dynasty. Their on-court chemistry was unparalleled, yet their financial paths in the NBA varied significantly.
Starting his career in 1984, Jordan’s initial salary was a modest $550,000. However, by the time the late ’90s rolled around, His Airness was commanding record salaries, peaking at an astounding $33.14 million in the 1997-98 season. Averaging his earnings over his 15 NBA seasons, Jordan took home approximately $15.3 million per year.
On the other hand, Pippen began his professional journey in 1987 with a salary slightly higher than Jordan’s rookie sum, at $725,000. The zenith of his earnings came during his brief stint with the Houston Rockets in 1998-99, drawing $11 million.
Though Pippen’s contributions on the floor were invaluable, his average annual salary across his 17-year NBA career was notably less than Jordan’s, totaling approximately $6.5 million.
These numbers not only reflect the immense marketability and brand value of Michael Jordan but also the financial sacrifices Pippen made, often underscoring his commitment to the team’s success.
The vast disparity between the two also underscores broader issues about player remuneration and the market dynamics of the NBA during that era.
Michael Jordan And Scottie Pippen: Finals Comparison
The 1990s NBA Finals will forever be marked by the dominance of two Chicago Bulls legends: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Together, they clinched six championships, etching their legacy into the annals of basketball history.
Michael Jordan, widely acknowledged as the game’s greatest player, consistently elevated his performance during the Finals. Across the six championship series (1991-1993, 1996-1998), Jordan always claimed the NBA Finals MVP title, exemplifying his unmatched prowess in the league’s critical moments.
He averaged a staggering 33.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during these series. Memorable moments like his ’98 game-winner over Bryon Russell or the legendary ’97 “Flu Game” where he scored 38 points, solidified his Finals legacy.
Scottie Pippen, although occasionally overshadowed by Jordan’s brilliance, played a pivotal role in those championship runs. His Finals stats reveal his all-around capability, averaging about 19.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
Moreover, Pippen’s defensive acumen often saw him tasked with neutralizing the opposition’s key player, highlighting his immense value to the team.
While Jordan’s offensive heroics in the Finals are legendary, Pippen’s multifaceted contributions were just as crucial for the Bulls. The interplay of Jordan’s scoring genius with Pippen’s versatile excellence forged a partnership that remains unparalleled in NBA history.
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