Scottie Pippen comments on Michael Jordan: Why is he annoyed with MJ?
Scottie Pippen's shocking criticism of Michael Jordan, a strained friendship revealed
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Scottie Pippen (Image via Getty/Carlos Tischler) and Michael Jordan (image via USA TODAY / VIA REUTERS)
In a recent appearance on the “Gimme the Hot Sauce“ podcast hosted by former Chicago Bulls teammate Stacey King, Scottie Pippen made some surprising and controversial remarks about his former teammate and friend, Michael Jordan. Pippen called Jordan a “horrible player” and criticized his style of play before Pippen joined the Bulls in 1987.
Pippen claimed that he had seen Jordan play before joining the Bulls and described him as a player who was more concerned with scoring points than playing winning basketball. According to Pippen, Jordan’s game was dominated by one-on-one plays and taking bad shots. These comments came as a surprise, considering Jordan’s remarkable performances and individual accolades during his early years with the Bulls.
“I’ve seen Michael Jordan play before I came to the Bulls. You guys have seen him play. He was a horrible player,” Pippen said. “He was horrible to play with. It was all 1-on-1, shooting bad shots.”
Michael Jordan’s dominance and impact on the Bulls
Before Pippen joined the Bulls in the 1987-1988 NBA Draft, Michael Jordan had already made a name for himself. He consistently put up impressive numbers, averaging 31.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in his first three seasons. Despite the lack of star talent around him, Jordan led the Bulls to the NBA Playoffs in each of those seasons.
Jordan’s best teammates during that time were Charles Oakley and John Paxson, highlighting the limited support he had on the court. However, his individual brilliance and leadership helped elevate the Bulls’ performance and laid the foundation for their future success.
Scottie Pippen’s disappointing remarks and Stephen A. Smith’s response
Scottie Pippen’s comments about Michael Jordan have raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Smith passionately defended Jordan and questioned the motives behind Pippen’s remarks. He hinted at the possibility that Pippen’s personal issues, such as his ex-wife’s alleged romantic involvement with Jordan’s son, may have influenced his bitter words.
“But is it personal, Scottie? Is it just about basketball? Is it about the son dating the ex-wife? Not passing judgment, just saying you’re wearing your bitterness on your sleeve for a reason. It ain’t cool, it ain’t right, it is beyond wrong. Whether you like it or not it is total betrayal. You don’t need to sink to these lows, bro. You really should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Scottie Pippen, you are not one, but you sound like a damn fool. An ignorant dude who don’t know the game. We know better than that. We know how brilliant you are, how knowledgeable you are,” Smith said. “so it only brings two other things to mind about you, bro — envy and bitterness. Those are the two things. Number one, you aren’t Michael Jordan, you knew that when you left the game, when you wore Jordan sneakers on the court. You didn’t hate him when you needed him.”
Smith emphasized Jordan’s undeniable greatness and the impact he had on the game of basketball. He quoted Larry Bird’s famous description of Jordan as “God in gym shorts,” highlighting the appreciation Jordan commanded from his peers. Smith ultimately accused Pippen of envy and bitterness, urging him to reflect on his recent remarks and the betrayal they represent.
Scottie Pippen’s contributions to the Bulls’ dynasty
Despite Pippen’s controversial comments about Jordan, it is important to acknowledge his significant contributions to the Chicago Bulls’ historic run of six NBA titles between 1990 and 1998. Pippen played a key role as Jordan’s trusted sidekick and the team’s second-best player.
Pippen’s exceptional skills, versatility, and defensive prowess were instrumental in the Bulls’ success. He provided valuable support to Jordan and helped the team establish themselves as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Pippen’s impact on the court cannot be undermined, and his partnership with Jordan played a crucial role in the Bulls’ achievements.
The strained relationship between Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan
The strained relationship between Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan is a disappointing development for fans who have witnessed their remarkable partnership on the court. The strong bond they shared during their playing days seems to have been fractured, highlighting the often fragile nature of relationships in the world of sports.
While the reasons behind Pippen’s recent comments remain unclear, it is evident that his words have caused a rift between the two former teammates. As fans wait for Jordan’s response, it is a reminder that even the strongest bond can be tested and broken.
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