Scottie Pippen believes the 1993-94 Chicago Bulls became a more unified team in Michael Jordan’s absence.
Speaking to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Hall of Famer reflected on the Bulls’ response after Jordan retired for the first time.
“We had 30 shots going back in the bucket losing Michael,” Pippen said. “Our team bonded so well without Michael, as far as how players responded.”
That year, Pippen averaged 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while guiding Chicago to a 55-27 record.
He earned All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors and finished third in MVP voting.
The Bulls were eventually eliminated in seven games by the Patrick Ewing-led New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite the loss, many around the league began to recognize Pippen’s all-around impact.
Former Bulls forward Metta World Peace told Robinson he didn’t appreciate Pippen’s offensive skillset until watching film years later.
“I didn’t respect Scottie’s offensive greatness until everyone kept talking about it,” he said. “I really never knew Scottie was THAT good.”
World Peace added that as a young fan, he was focused on Jordan’s dominance and didn’t realize how vital Pippen was in every aspect of the game.
Toni Kukoc, who played a larger role during that stretch, echoed those sentiments. “Probably I can say that was the most team play basketball that we did,” Kukoc said. “Scottie had an awesome season… one of the MVP kind of seasons.”
Pippen’s versatility came from years of adapting to new positions, starting with his time at Central Arkansas where he transformed from team manager to top NBA draft pick.
“I came in this league as a point guard and put at small forward,” Pippen said. “I was kinda learning the game from a position that I was never put in.”
Under Phil Jackson, Pippen flourished in the triangle offense, becoming the anchor on both ends of the court.
After his Bulls tenure, Pippen had stints with the Rockets and Trail Blazers before retiring in 2004.
He remains a seven-time All-Star, six-time champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, but his legacy often remains overshadowed by Jordan’s.
“Scottie’s going to get a stop, you throw it up, you know Scottie’s going to dunk it,” World Peace said. “That’s greatness.”
