Scottie Pippen has made peace with his legacy but not with the constant reminders of Michael Jordan. In a new interview with Daniel Arribas of El Pais, the six-time NBA champion admitted he’s completely worn out by decades of questions about his former Chicago Bulls teammate.
Daniel Arribas: “On a scale of one to ten, how tired are you of talking about Michael Jordan?”
Scottie Pippen: “Oh. Is ten the highest score or the lowest?”
Daniel Arribas: “The highest.”
Scottie Pippen: “Then I’d say probably a 12.”
Daniel Arribas: “More than ten?”
Scottie Pippen: “Yes, definitely. I’ve been used to it since my first day in the NBA. Everything has always revolved around Michael Jordan. But you know, I’m happy I was able to leave my own legacy and not have to talk about him all the time.”
It’s a striking admission from one of the cornerstones of the Bulls dynasty. Pippen and Jordan together formed one of the greatest duos in sports history, leading Chicago to six championships in eight years and defining an entire era of basketball. Yet, for Pippen, being forever tied to Jordan’s shadow seems to have taken its toll.
This isn’t the first time Pippen has spoken candidly about his complicated history with Jordan or with Phil Jackson, the coach who oversaw their run of dominance. In an earlier interview with Marca, he confessed that his relationships with both men were never particularly close.
Those words underline a truth that fans often overlook: success doesn’t always equal friendship. Behind the banners and parades, the Bulls’ dynasty was driven by competitiveness and professional respect more than personal warmth.
According to former NBA player John Salley, the relationship between Pippen and Jordan effectively ended in 2004 long before The Last Dance reopened old wounds.
The docuseries, which chronicled the Bulls’ final championship run in 1998, reignited public fascination but also frustration. Pippen was reportedly unhappy with his portrayal, believing the series glorified Jordan at the expense of his teammates.
Their falling-out went deeper than basketball, too. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith once claimed Jordan felt ‘betrayed’ by Pippen for not reaching out after the murder of Jordan’s father in 1993. While that detail remains unconfirmed, it illustrates just how fractured things became between the two icons.
Still, Pippen has never denied Jordan’s greatness. He’s publicly called MJ the greatest player of all time, a sign that whatever personal tension lingers, there’s still deep professional respect.
After decades of being asked about Jordan, his fatigue is understandable. Pippen’s career was more than a supporting act, it was a masterclass in versatility, defense, and team play. And even if the questions never stop, his legacy as one of the best two-way players ever is secure.
