Here’s the answer: their relationship has been complex—marked by championship glory and later strained by personal grievances and The Last Dance documentary fallout.
What was the dynamic of Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan friendship?
- They were teammates, not close friends. Pippen said they “never were great friends…we never met outside team meetings.”
- On court, they formed one of the greatest duos in NBA history, winning six championships for the Chicago Bulls. Their friendship was professional and centered on basketball success.
How did their Chicago Bulls partnership define their legacy?
- With Jordan as the star and Pippen as the versatile wing, they helped win six NBA rings between 1991–1998. Pippen’s defense and passing complemented Jordan’s scoring brilliance.
- Pippen emerged strongly during Jordan’s first retirement, earning All-Star MVP in 1994 and leading the Bulls statistically.
Did Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan feud after retirement?
Yes. After The Last Dance aired in 2020, Pippen felt the series marginalized him:
- He called Jordan a “horrible player” and said Jordan “uplifted himself” while minimizing others.
- Their strained relationship was on display when Jordan skipped the Bulls’ 2024 Ring of Honor event honoring both legends.
What were Scottie Pippen’s comments on Michael Jordan?
- Pippen bluntly expressed frustration over The Last Dance, feeling misrepresented.
- He publicly criticized Jordan’s approach, calling him “a difficult person to deal with” and “horrible” in interviews.
What role did Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen documentary play?
- The Last Dance heavily spotlighted Jordan, which Pippen felt ignored teammates’ contributions.
- The documentary revived old tensions and deepened their rift.
How did their stats and court performance complement each other?
- Pippen averaged 17.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, and 2.1 SPG over 12 seasons. Jordan’s scoring dominance, paired with Pippen’s two-way play, forged the Bulls’ dynasty.
- Pippen’s standout came in the 1994 All-Star Game (29 pts, 11 rebs, 4 steals) when Jordan stepped away.
How many rings did Pippen & Jordan win together?
They secured six NBA championships together (1991–93, 1996–98). Both were part of the Bulls’ legendary ‘92 and ‘96 title runs.
How did The Last Dance affect their relationship?
- According to teammate Craig Hodges, once Pippen was named among the NBA’s 50 Greatest (1996), the power dynamic shifted, sowing seeds of rivalry.
- Pippen indicated the doc hurt him emotionally. Jordan waited to face backlash for timing and narrative control.
What is their current relationship like?
- Pippen says their last message exchange was in 2020 and “it was good…and final.”
- Teammates hope for reconciliation; most believe they’re too old to keep a feud.
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen highlights: What makes them iconic?
- 1991 Finals: Jordan sealed Game 5; Pippen’s defense on Magic was vital.
- 1997 Finals: Known as the “Flu Game,” Jordan hit key shots aided by Pippen’s spacing.
- 1998 Game 6: Jordan’s career-defining last shot came after Pippen battled through injury.
Conclusion
Their story—using Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan as the main keyword—is one of on‑court synergy, championship greatness, and off‑court conflict. While their friendship was never truly deep, their Bulls legacy remains unmatched. The feud that followed The Last Dance shows how easily shared glory can turn into personal grievances, especially when legacy is at stake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the feud between Jordan & Pippen?
Mainly Pippen’s displeasure with The Last Dance, feeling it understated his role and over‑promoted Jordan.
Were Jordan and Pippen best friends off the court?
No—they were teammates and professional colleagues, but not close friends.
How many championships did they win together?
They captured six NBA titles: 1991–93 and 1996–98.
Did Pippen ever publicly criticize Jordan?
Yes—he called him a “horrible player” and criticized his portrayal in the docuseries.
Could they reconcile in the future?
While some hope so, both have moved on privately. Teammates say it’s time to heal, but no reunion has happened yet.