No star duo achieved as much success and notoriety as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the 1990s. At the peak of their run together, they won six Championships in an 8-year span, forever marking their place in NBA history.
Unfortunately, it seems all is not well between the former teammates nowadays, as Scottie Pippen has gone out of his way to make some rather critical remarks about Michael.
Most recently, during a chat with GQ Sports’ Tyler Tynes, the Bulls legend talked about playing during the 1993-94 season, when Jordan had retired for the first time.
Without MJ, Scottie was free to run the show, and he led the Bulls to a 55-27 record. Despite the fact that his team got eliminated in the semi-finals, Pippen says that season was some of the most fun he had in his entire career.
“No, I don’t think it bothered me. I think that year, the ’94, part of the ’95, was probably some of my most-funnest seasons. We were very good from a team standpoint. We’re very unpredictable and it was just an enjoyable time to play the game. Probably, some of the most fun I’d had since being in the NBA.”
(start at 19:38)
Giving credit to Scottie, he did step up during that stretch, averaging 22 points and 8.7 rebounds per game on 49% shooting (all career-high marks).
The nature and timing of Jordan’s retirement also made it difficult for the Bulls to attract free agents, something that Scottie himself also pointed out.
“Yeah It was a big decision, but It was a selfish decision, but it was kind of who Michael Jordan was,” said Pippen. “That was a guy who believed he can do anything on his own.”
Naturally, Jordan did return the next year, and he and Pippen would go on to win three more titles before he retired for a second time.
Up until recently, the two were believed to be cool with each other. They did play together for over half a decade, after all.
Whatever happened to their relationship now, it’s clear there’s no going back. Pippen is letting it all out, and one can only wonder what he’ll say next.
