That GOAT debate is often subjective. Depending on the era of basketball, every player, analyst, and fan has their picks. However, Scottie Pippen’s recent interview with Patrick Bet-David may question all of their beliefs. On a podcast episode that’s quickly going viral for the Bulls’ legends takes, one of them included him proclaiming he himself is the greatest of all time. “I think it’s just me believing in the way I played the game,” said the six-time champion

Reminder, Pippen on separate occasions has claimed both Michael Jordan and LeBron James are deserving of the title.

But since his rift with MJ, there may be tensions. But still, when Stephen A. Smith heard his defense to be called the greatest, in his vocabulary, he felt it was preposterous. There’s no question that Pippen has the resume and was a savant of the game. Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, the ESPN analyst even crowned him the greatest defensive player. However, among all of Pippen’s wild claims on the podcast, GOAT went a little too far for him.

“Drug test home now! I want tests! Get a urine sample. Get a blood test. Drug test him now! You got to be kidding me… How are you the best when you weren’t even the best on your own team,” Smith said in a fit. “It hurts me because I don’t want to do this. If you are the best why were you calling for Jordan? If you were the best why were you pouting on the bench when Phil Jackson called Tony Kukoc’s number instead of yours in a playoff series against the Knicks?” Smith said enraged by Pippen’s comments.

His reaction didn’t stop there. Smith went on about the various instances that in his opinion diminished Scottie Pippen’s case as the greatest player of all time. The celebrated analyst didn’t have an issue with the NBA Top 75 forward’s confidence. He still called him “one of the great ones” and rightfully so.

But the truth is Scottie Pippen was never the number-one option during his playing years. Hence, Smith couldn’t comprehend his statement. And he even confronted Patrick Bet-David. “Is there any time in your lifetime watching basketball that you either said yourself or heard somebody say Scottie Pippen was in the GOAT conversation ever?” he asked his good friend on the Stephen A. Smith Show.

Stephen A. Smith also comes to the defense of LeBron James

As mentioned, Pippen pinning himself as the GOAT wasn’t the only statement that irked Stephen A. Smith. Just moments before dwelling on that conversation, the Bulls icon even said that from a “team standpoint”, he would put himself ahead of LeBron James. “I got six rings,” he told Bet-David.

Smith too has used this argument to defend his GOAT – Michael Jordan when put up against the Akron Hammer. But as far as respect goes, the 57-year-old analyst has plenty for LeBron James. He celebrates the Lakers forward as probably the only one worthy to be in the discussion with His Airness.

And Pippen saying “Do you want individual accolades or championship because I didn’t chase mine,” led to Smith jumping in his defense. The face of ESPN essentially shut down allegations that James has ‘chased’ his accolades by pointing out a missing piece to otherwise Pippen’s fascinating skillset.

“Scottie you were never that dude offensively. Stop. Stop it. Now, I’m as critical of LeBron James as anybody who is fair-minded… LeBron James is one of the top two, three players in the history of basketball and you know it. How do we know you know that? There’s certain times you flirted with him being better than Michael Jordan,” he said in reference to Pippen claiming the King was the GOAT in 2017

Scottie Pippen does have every reason to believe he played the right way. As part of the Chicago Bulls, he was integral in them achieving two three-peats in eight years. However, LeBron James personifies professionalism with his longevity and work ethic. The long-range of accolades and records is a testament to his greatness. Not many in the world of sports boast the achievements of the Akron Hammer.

What are your thoughts on Pippen’s comments? Let us know your views in the comments below.