Former Chicago Bulls guard Craig Hodges stated that he believed Scottie Pippen was more naturally gifted than Michael Jordan.
Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Hodges emphasized Pippen’s physical gifts and ambidextrous skill set, calling him the more naturally complete player.
“I think he was better than MJ—just from a natural standpoint,” Hodges said, referencing Pippen’s size, balance, and ability to finish with both hands.
Hodges cited confidence and external support as the main factors that separated the two Hall of Famers during their time as teammates.
He pointed out that Jordan had organizational backing from the outset, while Pippen had to earn his role and recognition through consistent development.
Pippen, a seven-time All-Star and 10-time All-Defensive selection, was named to the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players list in 1996, a moment Hodges said elevated his confidence.
According to Hodges, Pippen steadily improved throughout his career and became more impactful “with every touch.”
He also addressed the tension between Jordan and Pippen, suggesting that Pippen felt Jordan could have done more to support him during contract negotiations and other business matters.
“There are a lot of athletes who sacrificed contractually to keep teammates,” Hodges noted, implying that Pippen expected that level of solidarity from Jordan.
Hodges played alongside both superstars during Chicago’s first three-peat from 1991 to 1993.
Pippen, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010, has become more vocal in recent years about his dissatisfaction with how his contributions have been remembered.
