In the 1993-94 season, when Michael Jordan retired, Scottie Pippen became the No. 1 option for the Chicago Bulls, and he did not disappoint. Pippen immediately rose to the occasion and led the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs. Pippen’s former teammate, Dennis Rodman, feels that Pippen deserved more respect for stepping up in Jordan’s absence.

Still considered the greatest second-best player on a team, Pippen’s 1994 and 1995 seasons without Jordan were ‌proof that he could become a primary option on any team. However, the spotlight was on the NBA great for just two seasons, as Jordan returned‌ in the last quarter of the next year. While Rodman wasn’t yet a Bulls player during those two seasons, he had an opposing team’s perspective on Pippen’s 1994 and 1995 seasons.

“If you notice about Scottie Pippen, when Michael Jordan left in '93, '94, '95 — Scottie Pippen was the best player in the world,” Rodman said on First Take in 2020. “If people didn't know that, he led the team in every category. Every category.”

Months after his father’s tragic death, Jordan left the NBA to play baseball. Just when the Bulls seemed to be fading in the league, Pippen played like a big star on both ends of the floor and led his team to the playoffs. 

“Scottie got his wings in 1991 when [the Bulls] beat the Detroit Pistons. When Michael left, Scottie took over and next thing you know he was the best player in the world. People don't know that."

During the 1993-94 season, Pippen averaged 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.9 steals in 72 games. He finished third in MVP voting and fourth in Defensive Player of the Year.

Pippen was made All-NBA First Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team. 

Michael Jordan regretted losing relationship with Scottie Pippen

Beyond their playing days, Jordan and Pippen continued to maintain a cordial relationship. While they were not the best of friends, they had a deep appreciation for each other. However, things turned bad in 2020, after “The Last Dance.” Pippen felt that he was portrayed in a bad light in the documentary. 

He later released "Unguarded," his memoir, as a retaliation against Jordan and to tell his side of the story. Shortly after, Jordan’s son, Marcus, started dating Pippen’s ex-wife, Larsa Pippen, which further strained the relationship. 

When former Bulls reporter Sam Smith asked former Bulls coach Phil Jackson about things souring between former teammates, he said Jordan “regrets losing this relationship.”

"I wouldn't have seen that from Michael, that Michael would feel the things that Scottie has said about him that have been critical or interpreted as really negative; instead of getting angry, he just felt a sense of loss."

The legendary teammates remain estranged to this day, with no sign of reconciliation.

Do you think Pippen was right in getting upset with his portrayal in The Last Dance? Let us know your thoughts.

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Koushik Biswas