Scottie Pippen’s recent appearance on the PBD Podcast sparked an intriguing conversation about Michael Jordan’s hypothetical social media presence. When host Patrick Bet-David mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing 647 million Instagram followers and asked how Jordan might compare in today’s digital era, Pippen made a bold claim, saying he would double that tally.
Patrick Bet-David: “If social media was around when you guys and would Michael would have been, I mean Ronaldo has 647 million followers right now on Instagram. How big would have been if social media was around, when you guys were playing maybe Dennis Rodman would have had the most following who knows.”
Scottie Pippen: “Yeah, I mean hey, it would have been different. Definitely you know with looking at these numbers you don’t know how, being a player that played in the 90s, how these numbers come about and what they really mean because we didn’t grow up in this social media era but definitely, who you’re talking about, he’s one of the greatest players, greatest athletes in the world and 647 million speaks for itself.”
Patrick Bet-David: “So you think Michael would have been there, if social media was run at that time?”
Scottie Pippen: “I think he would have probably doubled that, I’m going to be honest.”
Patrick Bet-David: “Seriously?”
Scottie Pippen: “Yeah, I would say because basketball in the 90s, when it first jumped off and you know just having social media back then, would have just been amazing.”
“I remember in 1987 when I was drafted that’s when the NBA signed a international deal with China. Games were now being shown all over the world, definitely all over China, so the game was growing, then and you know at that point, I mean Michael was four or five years already into the game.”
“So I’m just speaking about when I started in the league, the growth of what I’ve seen in basketball. I’ve traveled all over the world from Italy to Germany. Really talking about basketball, growing basketball, talking about the Olympics and long and behold 1992, we’re playing in the Olympics and now 30 years later, there’s nothing but NBA players playing the Olympics now.”
“So things have changed and players all around the world has definitely gained more confidence, more interest in playing in the NBA.”
Pippen’s reasoning centered on Jordan’s unmatched influence during the 1990s, a period when basketball’s popularity exploded worldwide. He cited the NBA’s pivotal international broadcasting deal with China in 1987 as an early catalyst for globalizing the game. This deal, coinciding with Jordan’s rise, helped elevate basketball—and Jordan in particular—to unprecedented global prominence.
Scottie Pippen also highlighted the significance of the 1992 Olympics and the Dream Team’s role in cementing the NBA’s place on the global stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the most marketable athletes of all time, is currently the most-followed person on Instagram. His global appeal spans continents, aided by his illustrious career and carefully cultivated personal brand. Ronaldo earns an estimated $3.23 million per sponsored Instagram post, a testament to his influence. In 2023 alone, he reportedly earned $148 million through his social media ventures.
While Jordan played in an era devoid of Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube, his popularity was unrivaled. A 1996 Warner Brothers study identified him as one of the most recognizable figures on the planet, alongside icons like Princess Diana and the Pope. His partnership with Nike not only revolutionized sports marketing but also made him synonymous with excellence. The Air Jordan brand remains one of the most lucrative endorsements in sports history.
Pippen argued that Jordan’s combination of on-court greatness, global appeal, and cultural impact would have given him an edge in the social media era. “Michael was already a global icon before social media. Imagine that magnified,” Pippen said.
While Ronaldo’s social media dominance is unparalleled today, Pippen’s claim underscores the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan. His influence during the 1990s transcended basketball, making him a global cultural icon. In a world with social media, Jordan’s reach might indeed have been astronomical, potentially eclipsing even Ronaldo’s staggering numbers. The debate ultimately serves as a testament to the timeless allure of both athletes and the eras they represent.
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