Years Before Slamming “Horrible” Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen Admitted Personal Agenda with MJ in 2021: “Not an Aggression in My Eye…Was a Different Creature”

Since the release of the acclaimed Michael Jordan documentary ‘The Last Dance,’ Scottie Pippen has held a negative perception of Jordan. Pippen firmly believed that the documentary was intended to elevate Jordan’s image, and he continues to express his unwavering stance.

In a recent conversation on Stacey King’s podcast, the topic shifted to the GOAT debate, prompting Pippen to share his perspective. Surprisingly, Pippen listed LeBron James as the superior player from a statistical standpoint. In doing so, he threw shade at Jordan, labeling him as a “horrible player” who took ill-advised shots and relied heavily on one-on-one play. Pippen further remarked that once the Bulls became successful as a team, people seemed to forget Jordan’s true nature. But years before this statement, Pippen acknowledged MJ’s contribution to forming the greatest team in Bulls history.

Scottie Pippen’s positive remark on his legendary teammate Michael Jordan

In a 2021 interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News In-depth), Pippen discussed Bulls’ starting Center Luc Longley, Jordan’s comeback, and his emotions regarding the Bulls’ breakup in 1998. But for fans, the more in-depth discussion of MJ and the Bulls takes the cake.

The former Bulls legend emphasized the indispensable contribution of Michael Jordan to the team’s success. Pippen highlighted Jordan’s personality, demeanor, and unwavering drive as essential elements that propelled the team forward. He stated, “The Bulls needed Michael Jordan to be successful, no doubt in my mind. I needed his personality and his demeanor and I needed his aggression that he brought day in and day out… It was not an aggression in my eye but more of a drive, a drive that, you know, helped us to be successful.”

Pippen stated that Jordan’s aggression not only manifested in his own performance but also inspired the entire team and organization. Pippen also emphasized the exceptional competitiveness and drive within the team, emphasizing its positive impact on their overall performance.

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He further added, “Not just him, but me, the team, and the organization. Luc [Longley], I think we all saw that he was a different creature in terms of how competitive and how driven and just how he went about things. But I think it was something that we all jumped on and enjoyed it.”

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JUNE 11: Michael Jordan #23 and Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls celebrate after winning game five of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz on June 11, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images)

Former players and NBA legends on the one-sided feud

Ideally, this shouldn’t happen between the two former great teammates, but that’s how it is now.

NBA legend Jerry West expressed his disappointment with Scottie Pippen’s recent remarks about Michael Jordan, urging the seven-time All-Star to mend fences and reconcile their differences. West highlighted the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining positive relationships within the basketball community. Former Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy expressed disappointment at Pippen’s bitterness, saddened by the negative attitude from a player of Pippen’s caliber. After Pippen’s remark on the documentary, in a lighter tone, Scott Williams playfully countered Pippen’s criticism by jokingly emphasizing Jordan’s superior communication skills as a teammate, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

As fans, we hope Pippen and Jordan resolve their differences soon enough. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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