The 2020 documentary “The Last Dance”, which aired on Netflix, took viewers inside the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty, but it left some feeling sidelined—especially Scottie Pippen. Criticized for focusing too much on Michael Jordan, many saw the series as a one-sided portrayal. Pippen called out the show in his 2021 memoir, Unguarded, arguing that while the series “glorified Michael Jordan,” it failed to give “nearly enough praise” to him and his teammates. Now, almost three years later, it seems Pippen is gearing up to tell his side of the story with a comeback that promises to set the record straight.

Teaming up with Hidden Empire Films, Scottie Pippen is spearheading a new documentary series that revisits the legendary 1990-1991 Chicago Bulls season. But what exactly will the documentary focus on?

Pippen’s vision is clear: “I think it’s going to be more about the whole run of that season. My ideal is to see this ball really sort of tell a story of what it was like for basketball in the ‘90s and what it was like for our journey to get to that first championship.” With production already underway, fans can look forward to a 2025 release that promises to offer a fresh perspective on the Bulls’ dominance in the ‘90s.

“We’re looking to do a documentary on this basketball because we think that there’s a lot of stories to be told,” Pippen explained on TMZ Sports. For him, the “Game 5 Ball” isn’t just a piece of memorabilia; it’s symbolic of the Bulls’ rise and the end of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era. “I think that ball really was a start of a dynasty and almost, I want to say, the end of a great dynasty in the Los Angeles Lakers,” he added, emphasizing the basketball’s unique place in NBA history.

The ’91 NBA Finals were indeed a clash of titans. The LA Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, faced off against the Bulls, with Jordan and Pippen stepping into the spotlight. For Chicago, it was more than just a victory; it was the beginning of one of the most dominant runs in sports history, with six championships in eight years.

Director Deon Taylor is equally excited. “This isn’t just any documentary; it’s a tribute to one of the most iconic landmarks in sports history! The ‘Game 5 Ball’ isn’t merely a relic; it’s the ‘holy grail’ of the sport—a powerful symbol of triumph, cultural resonance, and the moment that redefined the game forever,” Taylor shared. This could also prove to be the chance for Pippen to get back at His Airness.

Scottie Pippen—Michael Jordan feud

In his memoir Unguarded, Scottie Pippen pulls no punches, accusing Michael Jordan of trying to prove he was “larger-than-life” to the current generation of fans. Pippen argues that Jordan’s portrayal was all about solidifying his legacy as greater than LeBron James, who many now see as his equal—or even his superior.

Pippen also claims that what viewers saw was “Michael’s story,” not the true essence of the 97-98 Bulls season. He recalls how their coach, Phil Jackson, dubbed it “The Last Dance” as team management geared up to dismantle the dynasty. Pippen argues that Jordan’s account of the events took precedence over the intended collective farewell for the iconic team. Instead, it turned into a one-man show.

Pippen doesn’t hold back in assigning blame. He reveals that MJ had full control over the final cut of the documentary. “Michael deserved a large portion of the blame,” Pippen states. “He was the leading man and the director.” Given this power, Pippen believes Jordan missed the chance to set the record straight and showcase the entire team’s efforts.

Despite the rift, Jordan has expressed a certain nostalgia for those times. Reflecting on their shared journey, he told Australian Today, back in 2021, “I think it was [a] genuine time… we were competing, pushing each other, those are still genuine times.” He admitted feeling “sad” when it all ended, underscoring the complexity of their legendary yet turbulent partnership.