The GOAT debate will always remain the biggest conversation in the world of basketball, with Michael Jordan and LeBron James leading the front lines. While His Airness' case has been the most convincing, former teammate Scottie Pippen thinks otherwise.

While attending the Got Sole sneaker convention in Chicago on Sunday, Scottie Pippen was asked whether MJ should be considered the GOAT. Pippen’s answer was truly intriguing.

“Is Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time?” The interviewer asked. “He’s one of them,” Pippen replied.

“One of them? Who’s THE best?” The interviewer again questioned. “It’s not a ‘The’ best. It’s a team game.” Pippen stated.

For Pippen, the team comes before individuality. Since he has played with Jordan during the most successful time in Chicago Bulls history, Pippen must think that Jordan would not have received the GOAT status if not for him and Dennis Rodman putting in the work as well.

"It’s a team game! Good answer. Are you on that team? There’s five players. Are you on that team?” The interviewer asked. “I was on a lot of them.” Pippen replied.

With five players sharing the floor at any given time, the minor variables that govern outcomes also significantly improve or reduce each player’s output.

Jordan's GOAT case is usually paired with his flawless 6-0 record in the NBA Finals. Granted, Jordan was the best player in the league and the face of the NBA, that would not have happened if not for the help of Pippen, Rodman, Steve Kerr, and others.

The other aspect of Pippen's comments relates to the infamous beef between him and Jordan, as the two have not spoken since the Last Dance documentary in 2020.

However, Rodman still believes their relationship can be mended, with Jordan being the key.

The Ball is in Michael Jordan's Court

Pippen believes that Jordan used the ten-part documentary to glorify himself, all while downplaying the efforts of his teammates who stood by him until the sixth and final ring.

Pippen also hasn’t done their relationship any favors by making several scathing remarks about Jordan in his book, “Unguarded.”

But Rodman knows both of the icons well, as an opponent during his time at the Detroit Pistons, before he joined the Bulls in 1995. The famous rebounder believes that Jordan can be the one who will make things better.

“Michael is Michael, man. It’s a Michael Jordan thing. It’s the key,” Rodman recently declared. “It’s a Michael Jordan thing. He may do it one day. He may do it.”

Jordan’s uncompromising nature allowed him to overcome whatever challenge was in front of him. At the same time, it’s that same stubbornness that has allowed him to hold a grudge and keep from talking to Pippen all these years.

Recently, even Charles Barkley, who had previously criticized Jordan's ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, revealed that he has reconciled with him and the duo is looking forward to playing golf.

So who knows, maybe the time will come when Jordan finally knocks on Pippen's door to settle things the right way.

Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy