Scottie Pippen has recently softened his stance on the 2020 hit documentary The Last Dance, a production that revisited the Chicago Bulls‘ legendary 1990s dynasty. While initially vocal in his criticisms of how the documentary depicted his role on the team and Michael Jordan’s dominant spotlight, Pippen has now shifted his perspective, labeling it as a “great documentary.”
“I thought it was very positive. I felt, at that time, we needed something positive and good to watch on TV. I felt the documentary was great; I didn’t have anything to do with it, which I was a little disappointed in, but it was a great documentary, and it won some awards.”
When The Last Dance aired during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was met with widespread acclaim from basketball fans and critics alike. It offered a deep dive into the Bulls’ six championship runs and behind-the-scenes moments during their dominance. However, Pippen emerged as one of its most outspoken critics, accusing the series of prioritizing Jordan’s legacy at the expense of the team.
In his 2020 critique, Scottie Pippen argued that the documentary portrayed the Bulls’ success as a one-man show rather than the collective effort of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. He specifically took issue with how his contributions were minimized, referring to episodes that focused disproportionately on Jordan’s heroics and off-court moments. Pippen famously stated, “Each episode was the same: Michael on a pedestal, his teammates secondary.”
Additionally, Pippen bristled at the inclusion of his refusal to re-enter a game in 1994 when Phil Jackson designed the final play for Toni Kukoc, a moment he felt Jordan had no business commenting on since he was not part of the team at the time.
This marks a significant shift from his earlier sentiments, where he was adamant that the series misrepresented the Bulls’ collective greatness and overemphasized Jordan’s role. Perhaps, with time, Pippen has come to recognize the global cultural impact of the documentary, which reignited appreciation for the Bulls’ dynasty and introduced younger fans to one of basketball’s greatest eras.
Pippen’s change in tone may reflect a broader willingness to move past old grievances. The documentary’s massive success, coupled with its critical acclaim, may have helped Pippen reframe his initial frustrations. Furthermore, nostalgia for the unparalleled success he shared with Jordan and the Bulls might have mellowed his critique. After all, the duo remains one of the most iconic pairings in NBA history.
Pippen’s evolving views on The Last Dance serve as a reminder of the complexities of legacy and storytelling. While his frustrations about being overshadowed are understandable, the documentary ultimately immortalized the Bulls’ dynasty and cemented Pippen’s contributions in NBA lore. By acknowledging its greatness, Pippen can embrace the series as part of the rich tapestry of his storied career.
This comes on the heels of another notable shift: Pippen has once again declared Jordan as the greatest player of all time (GOAT), reversing years of vacillating opinions where he alternately championed Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and others.
In hindsight, The Last Dance not only celebrated the Bulls’ dominance but also highlighted the challenges of being part of a team driven by one of the most competitive athletes of all time. Pippen’s willingness to see the documentary in a new light is a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of their collective achievements.
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