In connection with the release of his new book, Scottie Pippen is suddenly speaking out against Michael Jordan. Note some of his recent quotes from interviews he’s done this week:
“Is it easier to play with a herniated disc or with the flu? … I don’t see many bad back games. But I do see flu games. Flu? C’mon,”
“I felt like the documentary only told a story that sorta glorified him as a player and not glorified us as a team.”
“I mean, he (Jordan) was a great scorer, but a lotta things that he did, was based on, him as individual. And I think basketball is a team game.”
In response to a question about how he wants to be remembered, Pippen said he wants to be remembered “as the greatest of all time.”
Let’s go ahead and tackle that last one out the gate. I love Scottie Pippen, he is perhaps the best #2 of all time, but he certainly never was in Jordan’s league. Can you imagine Robin saying with a straight face that he is greater than Batman? Or R2D2 saying that he was the true hero not Luke? Pippen saying that saying he wants to be remembered as the greatest of all time was probably the most unintelligent thing I have ever heard him utter. Clearly he knows he is not even in the GOAT conversation and said that for the sake of headlines (Which clearly worked)!
I have chronic back problems, so I can only imagine the pain he felt playing with a herniated disc, but your “Hurt Back Game” performance was not Jordan’s “Flu Game.” In the game he was referencing he scored like 8 points. Was it commendable that he played? Absolutely! While he was on the floor he made for an excellent decoy, but Scottie, let’s not compare apples to a cheeseburger!
Regarding the last dance primarily glorfying Jordan. That is absolutely true, but so what??? When in history–in movies, literature, music or any form of entertainment does the supporting cast get the same billing as the star? Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Lin Manuel Miranda and the Original Hamilton Cast, P-Diddy and The Family, Ric Flair and The Four Horseman…shall I continue??? Dude seriously!
Scottie, yes Jordan was selfish. That’s not new! Why all of a sudden is it a problem for you that he was selfish? Let’s not act like all he did was score though. For his career Jordan averaged 5.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game in addition to 30.1 points and he was a 9-time all defensive team selection. Sure he was selfish, but man was he a good all around player! When you are the best scorer on the floor, of course you will take more shots than anyone else. Also, I never hear Jordan claim that he didn’t need his teammates or that he won 6 titles by himself. The media and the fans may at times make it seem that way, but that’s not Michael Jordan’s fault. So Pippen, why cast stones at Mike?
I hope Pippen sells a lot of books. I can only wonder though if he will look back and wonder if it was worth making himself a laughing stock?
What do you think of Scottie’s recent statements? Is he crazy or just trying to sell books? Sound off in the comments section and let me know what you think.
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